Creating effective learning experiences
A student with learning disorder can function so well in many areas of the curriculum, that the disorder can be overlooked. It is not unusual for a student to enter vocational education without their learning issue ever being addressed.
Tiffany’s story
Tiffany was part way through an apprenticeship when she discovered that her life-long learning problem was learning disorder.
Tiffany's story
Teaching tips for curriculum preparation
These documents are a combination of suggestions for teachers, and advice for students.
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Inclusive teaching
Students with learning disorder come with different types of learning issues, and different levels of learning severity.
In most cases, planning classes that are based on inclusive teaching practises are all that is required. With more severe cases, modified teaching, and/or assistive technologies are needed.
Inclusive teaching tips
- Give directions - Ensure that directions are explained in both verbal and written form.
- Demonstrations - Give a practical demonstration of what is required.
- Verbal aids - Use descriptions and directions to supplement material presented on blackboard, overheads, powerpoint presentations or handouts.
- Formats - Use handouts, worksheets, overheads, and videos.
- Teaching methods - Use teaching methods that don’t rely just on reading.
- Text books - Annotate book lists with the chapters that are essential reading. Identify if they are available on audio CD.
- One-on-one - One-on-one assistance will ensure that your students are actually consolidating the learning.
- Readability statistics – Check all manuals and handouts that are in Microsoft Word with the readability statistics. Go to Spelling/Options/Show readability statistics, and tick the box. Now after every spell check, a pop up screen will appear. Look at the last entry - Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level. To cater for all learners, keep this figure between 6-8.
Julie’s inclusive teaching tips
Julie is a trainer in the vocational education and training sector. She also has learning disorder.
Her personal experience inspired her to be as creative and adaptive as possible in her teaching. Through an inclusive teaching approach she meets the needs of all students - whether they have learning disorder, are ESL (English as a second language), or are just nervous after a long break from educational studies.
Julie’s inclusive teaching tips
Further information
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Modified teaching strategies and technologies
Familiarising yourself with various inclusive and modified teaching practices, and having an understanding of current learning technologies, places you in a stronger position to help all your students work to their best potential.
Learning technologies are referred to as ‘adaptive technologies’ or ‘assistive technologies’. These technologies are specifically designed to assist students with various disabilities (visual and hearing impairment, learning disorder) that affect their ability to read and/or write. They are usually connected to computers or digital voice recorders.
More about these technologies can be found below under 'Adaptive Learning Technologies'
Terry’s teaching tips
Plumbing teacher, Terry worked closely with an apprentice with learning disorder. The student was on the verge of leaving the course because he could not learn from traditional teaching methods.
Terry’s creative approach resulted in the apprentice completing his training in the class’s top ten.
Terry’s teaching tips
Further information
Adaptive learning technologies
The latest adaptive or assistive technologies includes screen readers that help your student to decipher written text, text readers that allow the student to hear the text and programs that assist your student to write clearly and understand maths.
Further information
- Types of assistive technologies
- Inclusive Technology Resource Kit - This resource includes a range of fact sheets on a wide variety of adaptive technology providing low cost solutions for students with learning disabilities. The hard copy includes Freeware samples of assistive technologies. Available through RMIT Disability Co-ordination Office.
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Alternative assessment strategies
Students with learning disorder learn in unconventional ways and course assessment needs to accommodate this. Only then are you giving the student with learning disorder a fair chance at success.
Ensuring that your altered assessment practices are fair and equitable can be a source of stress for teachers. Advice and support can usually be found with your course program co-ordinators, or through your disability officer. Ask for training if unsure, or request that an external panel moderate your alternative assessment practices.
Most of the following alternative assessment strategies deal with the use of learning technologies, scribes and readers.
See also:
Adam’s assessment advice
Adam’s start in vocational education and training was hampered with inconsistent learning results. He would achieve high marks for assignments then fail exams.
He almost gave up, but was encouraged to be assessed for learning disorder. Once this was identified, he was provided with learning support.
Adam completed his training with high marks, and is now completing a university degree.
Adam’s assessment advice
Terry’s assessment advice
Plumbing teacher, Terry worked closely with an apprentice with learning disorder. The student presented well during practical assessment, but failed exams.
Terry successfully found ways for his student to demonstrate his understanding of the curriculum without having to read or write.
Terry’s assessment advice
General tips for alternative assessment
It is important to remove barriers that interfere with a student's ability to show you that they have understood the learning. Practical assessment is often a fairer gauge then a written exam.
Always set assessment tasks that are comparable in standard and do not give the student with learning disorder an unfair advantage.
Variety of methods - Take the emphasis off reading by setting a variety of assessment methods.
One-on-one - To engage with students one on one is a highly valued form of assessment.
Variety of tasks - Offer the option of having an assessment task completed using graphics, or a class presentation, or through a practical demonstration. Take the emphasis off written text.
Scribes/readers - Offer the services of a scribe/reader who can read and record the answers given by the student.
Assistive technologies - Computer programs can be installed. These assist in reading and writing the student’s answers.
Further information
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