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How can you best support a student with a learning disability?
How can you best support a student with a learning disability?
Disability looks different for everyone! Here's how you can get a better scope of what the learner may need:
- Learn about their Learning Styles so you can tailor your teaching to their most effective learning.
- Ask them! Utilizing How to Build Empathetic Relationships.
- Reach out for help. Utilize our Additional Resources page to find out about disability advocacy and other tools to best serve students.
- Be specific, be kind, be patient.
Dyslexia
How to help:
- Break reading down into smaller sections & read the headings so students get an idea of what they are going to read before they read it.
- Have the student explain to you what they have read to check their comprehension of the material.
- Recommend assistive technology (text to speech devices especially).
- Combination of oral and visual instruction (use of photos and conversation).
Dysgraphia
How to help:
- When writing, encourage students to outline their thoughts and get the main ideas down before trying to focus on the details of spelling and grammar.
- Teach the writing process: brainstorming first, drafting, editing, and proofreading.
- It may also be easier for students with dysgraphia to use graph paper when completing math problems.
Dyscalculia
How to help:
- Start with one concept/idea at a time ---- Students with dyscalculia can only take in so much information at once and it may take them longer than other students for the material to “click” or for them to understand it.
- Check in with them a few days after covering a concept to is if the material was retained.
- Make learning meaningful by relating the math problem to the whole task at hand.
- Use graph paper to make it easier to line up the numbers correctly since many mistakes involve number disorganization.
Other Disorders That Can Affect Learning
Other Disorders That Can Affect Learning
ADD/ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
How to help:
- Host sessions in a quiet environment with minimal distractions.
- Help them with scheduling and prioritizing tasks.
- Ask questions frequently to maintain their attention.
- Have the student explain the concepts back to you to make sure they are comprehending the material.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
How to help:
- Try to find similar interests or another way to relate/connect with the student ---forming social relationships may be hard for them.
- Conduct structured tutoring/learning sessions or create an agenda – tell the student what you’re going to do first, second, and so on.
- Be patient and respectful. Make sure to give the student enough personal space.
- Find a quiet area as they may be bothered or overwhelmed by too much stimuli in the environment.
Strategies
Strategies
Environmental modifications:
- Ergonomics
- Quiet, distraction free
- Taking breaks while studying to reduce fatigue
Stress management techniques:
Time management tools:
- Paper or digital "to do" lists, planners, and calendars
- The "Balance Wheel"
Other tips:
Other tips:
- Some students might not tell you they are having difficulties unless you ask.
- Ask the student about their strengths and weaknesses so you can help find strategies that work for them. Trial and error periods may be necessary when trying out new tool/strategies.
- Allow the student to be the expert! Nobody will know them better than they will. Allow them to give feedback about strategies and express when something isn't working well.
- Get creative! Use mnemonics, break big concepts into smaller concepts, pause between ideas to allow time for processing, and check for comprehension often.
- Most importantly remember to be patient and encouraging. You may have to change your typical style of support to best meet the students needs!
(Bastable et al., 2011)
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