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when the teacher has a learning disablilty

I love to teach but i'm finding it hard to lecture at times cause i have a learning disablilty. i feel i should share with my class but at the same time i don't want to discreate myself but i know when i read aloud or i'm trying to explain something to the class i feel the class is judging me cause i fumble and prounce words wrong i can say them in my head but whn it comes to saying them out loud i get nervous and fumble. what do i do

Hi Jamie,
I would explain in general terms that at times you have some problems pronouncing certain words, just as we all do. This gives the students some insight into the situation when it happens.
I would also look for alternative ways to present the words that are challenging, for example you could create a PP that has the words laid out in bullet form and you could walk the students through the bullets. This way you could refer to the second bullet and have the students give you their definition of the word or phrase. You could use symbols along side the words and describe the symbols rather that the words.
I work with adults with learning disabilities to prepare them to enter the work place and these are some of the strategies we use. I would be glad to talk with you further about the subject you teach because I know we could come up with some ways for you to be successful as an instructor as well as helping your students to be successful. Just let me know how I can help.
Gary

I know where you are coming from Jamie. I have learning disabilities such as dylexia, physical disabilities, and I medical issues such as sezuires. All of these issues could present themselves at anytime during a course sesstion.

I tell the students on the first day of class of my issues, but I also let them know how I have succeeded thus far in my life. Then I follow through to let them know that if I can do it, then I believe in them and that they can do it to.

You are human and so are they. A learning disability is just a different way of learning. It allows you to be able to see your subject in different lights, so if one of your students is unable to grasp a concept one way you can show them another way.

Don't feel bad, we all have our strengths and weaknesses. I think I have a disability with spelling!

When I teach speech I encounter students with problems such as yours.

I always tell them so much of the fear of public speaking is self feeding. The more you think about it, the worse it is. I know it sounds simple, but it can be extremely powerful. Right now you are focusing on fumbling (understandable). Start to mentally focus on how much you enjoy teaching and sharing with your students what you know. Imagine lecture without the images of that word (podiums, eyes staring at you, you talking, them looking). Imagine and visualize yourself telling your students a story....you are explaining, you are trying to inspire them. You have to mentally ok with yourself that sometimes we fumble, mispronounce things or my favorite, totally blank out! HOWEVER, all of that is secondary to wanting/needing your students to learn and you being the method by which that can happen. Every time you fumble, breathe, relax and just keep going. Focus on what you are saying not how you are saying it.

You can also practice your lectures. When I am planning a new lecture I'll recite it in the shower, when I'm driving, etc. For me it is important to verbally hear my lecture before I present it to class.

Hope this helps a bit.....

Hi Summer,
Thanks for sharing your strategies for getting a lecture prepared and ready to deliver. It does take effort and practice just as you mentioned.
Gary

I had no idea I had a learning disabilities until I was partially through my teaching credential & Master's Degree. I was taking a class about how to accommodate special needs students when exploring the list of what to look for...I had almost every characteristic!!! Much to my amazement! I have processing disorders & mild dyslexia...which makes spelling a nightmare & reading aloud a challenge. I fore warn the students about my inability to spell & it becomes a game to see who can spot my spelling errors first. As for reading aloud ..I just call on a student to read... I don't let it bother me...it helps to be extremely prepared. But I always tell my students when I stumble that I am dyslexic...it never occurs to most students that teacher can have learning disorders too! :)
Just for the record...I was just voted teacher of the quarter...

Leigh,
Congratulations for your recognition. That says so much about your abilities in the classroom. Your comments about identifying and working through your own situation with dyslexia is to be commended. You have created an atmosphere that is comfortable for the students as they seek to find your spelling errors and then joke about them. This is a win win for everyone. I wish you much continued teaching success.
Gary

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