Cisco Academies Best Practices 5.1.9 Learning disabilities Ulyses Vázquez Cárdenas uvazquez@ceti.mx 2 Junio 2004

Abstract: The odds are overwhelming that instructors will have at least a few students with learning disabilities in most of their classes.

The following list summarizes some approaches to teaching students with learning disabilities.

1 Grab the student's attention with lesson starters that illicit emotion and feelings. This introduction to learning tells the brain it is time to pay attention.

2 Provide opportunities for teamwork 2 Provide opportunities for teamwork. Often students with learning disabilities will respond to peer interactions with a higher level of motivation to achieve than when working alone.

3 Teach students to write their own personal learning goals 3 Teach students to write their own personal learning goals. Write short and long term goals and provide feedback on progress.

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

5 Many learning disabled students benefit when teachers speak aloud in class. The instructor works through a problem or addresses a challenge by talking out loud about the steps and thinking that occur during the process.

6 For many learning disabilities, the use of simple "memory tools" can help students process information for retrieval at a later time. These gimmicks are called mnemonics and may come in the form of a catchy rhythm or unique pattern of language that is easy to remember. Examples are the use of pictures, music, color, and even movement. This strategy strongly mirrors Howard Gardner's work with multiple intelligences.

7 Use visual advance organizers to introduce new concepts as well as analyze and synthesize final understandings. Through organizers, the brain gets a clear message that new content is coming. This technique facilitates new knowledge building upon existing knowledge. 

8 Humor is a powerful stimulant to the brain 8 Humor is a powerful stimulant to the brain. It easily latches onto the silly and unimaginable

9 For learning disability (LD) students, movement and action are important motivators and can help some student's process information. The hands-on lab times will greatly benefit LD students.

10 Reflection cements new understanding into long term memory. At different points during the day (a natural end of a topic), have students talk about or write about what they have learned, what they found interesting, and what they still need to learn.

11 Time takes on a new importance to learning disabled students 11 Time takes on a new importance to learning disabled students. Be ready to offer additional time for LD students to formulate responses to questions.

12 It is important for LD students to learn while they are in an emotional state that is free from anger and extreme frustration. Students have an easier time getting through tasks when they are calm and focused.

Activity: Individually, search on the Internet the follow learning disabilities and explain us: Dyslexia Dysgraphia Dyscalculia Dyspraxia Auditory Discrimination Visual Perception