Sandra,
yes & if we can show them that we care & truly do want to help them, we can really help them be successful.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I would say its hard sometimes to keep every one on the same pace. Some students with disabilities need extra time, while other are ready to move on. I like to have the faster pace students help out with the students that need extra time to learn the material.
I havent had the opportunity to work with students with learning disabilities, but do have several students with english as second language, and I discovered they have a difficult time with comphrension of english written language, I take time to explain it clearly especially written math problems
Getting a handle on it, a label,identify it and then formulate and communicate will show you care and begin to work with it.
I find breaking units into small specific assignments and allowing more time for them to complete has helped considerably with students with learning challenges. They are able to work at a slower pace than the other students and I can then have time to work with those students who are able to progress more quickly thru the subject matter. Often the class is divided between those with learning challenges and those that grasp the materials very quickly and need to be kept challenged as well. Providing extra or advanced materials for those students allows for more one on one time for those needed extra assistance.
Depending on the severity of the learning disability, could mean anything from language to low-level educable. With any of these, you need to ensure you have time and patience, If you find your running out time on a lesson, you will need to adjust the lesson, making sure you are able to cove the main points in the lesson.
students with learning disabilities take much more of your time than regular students
i will say that not having the right method or tools to help them.
Wendy ,
and demonstrating that patience to them is key as it can really help them know that we want to help them & support them.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
The greatest challenge is that often times instructors are not knowledgeable about various learning disabilities. This topic was so enjoyable. I learned I may possibly have a learning disorder: Dyscalculia.
I would say wit h many to get them to relax and feel a part of the class .
its really great challenge for both the instructor and the students to show the collaboration of both them and have a success and goals to be reached
The greatest challenge I find is finding extra time. I teach culinary classes and we are on a strict time restrain to complete all of the cooking, baking and prepping for that class period.
I also am in a fast paced classroom. Often we take a Chapter test every couple of days. I also find it hard for the students who have a learning disability to keep up. They do great with the hands on part but when we do "the book work" they have a hard time absorbing the information. I try to use good connecting words for them to try to connect the material with something that is easy for them to remember it by. I think it works for them but often the others get board with it.
In our program we have to cover a lot of information in a short amount of time. Sometimes it's challenging to meet the needs of students with learning disabilities because they can become overwhelmed easily. I have recommended using flash cards, recording lectures, and studying in groups to some students. With repetition and time, these students can do great!
Differently abled students generally have high motivation and are an asset to the energy of a class. On occasion, when I have a student with extra needs, and the other students are havinga hard time being accommodating, it has been a great teaching moment about working in real life situations.
I want my classroom to be a place where all students have the opportunity to learn!
The greatest challenges in working with students with learning disabilities is making those students not feel like they are the center of attention, and that they can still make friends with other students, fit in, and succeed at school like any other student.
The greatest challenge is keeping them motivated.
The greatest challenge is making sure that they are caught up with the rest of the class. To do this, you need to invest additional time and resources for the student. This may not be possible and in the end, the student may feel abandoned and may drop from the program.
