Real life analogies seem to work best with me. When faced with an ell student, I will talk to them on the side and ask how they think they’re doing and try to make sure they grasp the subject.
Christopher,
You are right that this is the best approach especially when our resources are limited.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Scott,
This is a good approach as it helps them make the connections between the abstract & the concrete.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
To help students with learning needs, I have created handouts that streamline course lectures and text content into study materials. Students find motivation to complete these handouts because I draw a high percentage of my test questions directly from them. Additionally, as we cover the course content material in class, I point out word structure links to word meanings (such as prefix, root word, and suffix) in new vocabulary and the handouts I give students contain a written statement at the top reminding them of good study/learning habits (read, write, re-read, rewrite).
Having a student with a learning disability is a challenge but in our field it is more hands on so we are able to work through it with them.
I first try to ascertain the degree of learning deficiency. My strategies will be formulated from there. In the past visual and working applications have worked best -- there is very little left to translation in my program, commercial driver's license. Vocabulary/terminology can be more difficult. In those instances I take extra time to break down the terms and show give the student a visual, when possible, so that they can better retain the new term along with the visual memory.
Jeffery,
this is always a good strategy as it really can help those who are struggling with the new terms.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I notice this most with test taking. I had a kid who knew every answer, but put a test in front of him and he'd do terrible. I made some suggestions (slow down, write on the test/ piece of paper to think through the question, and to utilize more of the time offered to take the test in order to do this). He did better afterwards. I had another student who was ESL, and it was difficult for her in a challenging subject like anatomy and physiology. Since there is so much rote memory involved, it was tough to know what to tell her aside from what I told everyone else (index cards!)
I make the extra effort to make sure they understand the content. I check their notes or if they have a note taker I check those notes to make sure that they will be clear to the student.
I also try to integrate the student with learning needs into the flow of the class.
Often they are self conscious and hide on the side lines. Also I try to find their strengths and highlight them.
Moving slower in class, placing them in groups with students that can assist and extra tutoring session work well
Raymond,
these are both great ways to help these students, especially with the peer tutoring & learning.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I use a lot of examples to explain and breakdown complex topics. Sometimes, the topics can be abstract and rather difficult to assimilate. Hence, examples serve to enhance clarity and make learning easier.
Eirzaad,
Examples & analogies are a great way to aid in understanding.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I find that being less technical and using analogies seems to work really well.
Meet with the student before or after class to help them with conceptualization
I try to set aside a few minutes everyday to help them one on one with their verbal skills. I alway off tuitoring after class as well.
1. Give the student an outline of the topic/objectives, so that the student will know what to expect about the subject matter.
2. Give a student a short term project for assessment nad feedback. This whould help the instructor to see the strenghts and weakness of the student and start from there...
Jeff ,
this little bit of extra attention & help can be a great help to the students who are struggling.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Aldorey,
this is a great plan as it can help provide that extra help & also help you really evaluate where the student is with the information.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I try to relate new or difficult english words to students who are learning english as a second language in context to how that word woudl relate tho their own life situations.
