Cisco Systems CCNA 2 manual Learning disabilities, Learning Disabilities

B.1.9 Learning disabilities

Figure 1: Learning Disabilities

Instructors will probably have a few students with learning disabilities in their classes. The following list summarizes some approaches to teaching students with learning disabilities. Many of these suggestions also apply to students without learning disabilities:

•Engage the students with lesson starters that illicit emotion and feelings. This introduction to learning instructs the brain to pay attention.

•Provide opportunities for teamwork. Many students with learning disabilities will have a higher level of motivation to succeed in response to peer interactions than when working alone.

•Teach students to write their own personal learning goals. Instruct them to write short and long term goals and provide feedback on their progress.

•Provide numerous models, examples, and representations of curriculum concepts.

•Speak aloud in class to benefit students with learning disabilities. Discuss the steps and thoughts that occur during the problem-solving process.

•Use simple memory tools to help students process information for retrieval at a later time. These tools are called mnemonics and include rhythms or unique patterns of language that are easy to remember. Mnemonics can use pictures, music, color, and movement. This strategy is related to Howard Gardner's work with multiple intelligences.

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