I watched the full episode of Understanding Learning Disabilities from youtube, this can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYg8sX2fv90. What an eye opening experience; the presenters fast paced lecture was used to simulate what a natural or standard paced classroom would feel like for a learning disabled student. The video used well-educated working professionals in the demonstration and the presenter put them under pressure, and simulated several different experiences a learning disabled student would have on a day-to-day basis. Processing was the central point exhibited through the video, and how various processing issues impact a learning disabled student.
The presenter assumes that the teacher (his role in the demonstration) is impatient, pushy and considers LD students to be "lazy and dumb." By exhibiting how these adults struggle and their reactions to the challenges he clearly exhibited how a LD student can get lost during class and ultimately lose interest in class and school rather quickly.
The video was filled with pedagogy that you should not use and then the presenter would inform the class how a student perceives certain teacher behaviors and directions. The most valuable point that this video gave to me is for a teacher to accept that a student is LD and develop a strategy with that student to make them feel comfortable and confident in the classroom. While questioning the class for understanding, the presenter suggested creating a plan with your LD student to prompt them and prepare them to participate in class. In this situation, it was as simple as walking over to your LD student's desk standing there briefly to prompt them to listen to the upcoming question or direction because they are the next to be called on. Because of processing issues and the pace of class, this strategy prompts the student to focus their processor on the ensuing question so they can manage that sentence. This example and other strategies give LD students a chance to participate and give the correct answer. Successes like this will build confidence and as a result the student will be more comfortable to participate in class.
In light of my last post and research paper, the flipped classroom would benefit a LD student. The student centered classroom, collaborative learning, and parent involvement all implied by the flipped classroom can greatly improve the learning experience for a learning disabled student.
I really like the idea of collaborating with an LD student before class and creating unique ways that will allow them to build their confidence in the classroom, enough so that they do participate. I think that most times educators are reluctant to call on students whom they know do not have the correct answer. But in all reality, it is through mistakes that we all learn. So it is important to allow kids to make mistakes in your classroom and use it as a teaching moment.
ReplyDeleteWith regards to students with learning disabilities, I feel that it is very important to create a plan that helps that student. But I love the idea of creating the plan with the student. I think that it is a great idea. This will also help the student have some control over their education and provide you will suggestions from them that the student feels will help them the best.