Transcript Best Classroom Practices (Powerpoint)

Disability Services
Beth Callahan
822-7223
[email protected]
ASA 08/07/2006
Objectives
• Understand the most common disabilities
seen on campus.
• Learn how to recognize characteristics of
different disabilities.
• Talk about best practices in the classroom.
Common Disabilities
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Learning Disabilities
ADHD/ADD
Psychiatric Disabilities
Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Mobility Disabilities
Visual Impairments
Learning Disabilities
Learning disability is a general term that
describes specific kinds of learning
problems. A learning disability can cause a
person to have trouble learning and using
certain skills.
Types
• Dysgraphia- writing disability
• Dyslexia- reading disability
• Dyscalculia- math disability
Characteristics
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Reading comprehension difficulties
Listening difficulties
Writing problems
Math problems
Social problems
Short-term memory problems
May appear in a state of confusion
Lack of self confidence
Asks the same question over and over
Can not tell right from left
Possible Accommodations
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Volunteer note taker
Quiet room for testing
Extra time for tests and quizzes
Notes outline before class
Course substitutions
Alternate assignments
Teaching Tips
• Present material in a variety of different
ways
• Post notes on Blackboard
• Provide different types of assignments
• Use advanced organizers
• Slow down and repeat new concepts
• Give examples of key concepts and try to
relate to real world situations
Teaching Tips
• Ask the student what is difficult for them
and what they have found that works
• Speak with student often on their progress
• Recommend the tutoring center, writing
center or math lab
• Offer suggestions on how to study for your
class
ADD/ADHD
ADHD/ADD is a problem with over-activity,
inattentiveness, impulsivity, or a
combination.
Characteristics
• Inability to keep focus on tasks over a long
period of time
• Tendency to get bored, particularly during
lectures
• Difficulty with change
• Variability on performance from class to class
• Social problems
• Fidgetiness, squirming in chair
• Problems with time management and
organization
Teaching Tips
• Keep instructions brief and uncomplicated
or provide them written as well
• Help student find a volunteer note taker
• Clearly define course assignments with
dates and requirements
• Use the Blackboard so student can check
assignments again
• Use more than one way to present an idea
Teaching Tips
• Break directions or new concepts into
smaller steps
• Allow time for clarification or questions
• Provide assistances in proofreading
written work
• Be flexible about providing alternative
assignments
• Stress organization for classroom
assignments
Psychiatric Disabilities
Describes a broad range of mental and emotional
conditions. The term ‘psychiatric disability’ is used
when mental illness significantly interferes with
the performance of major life activities, such as
learning, working and communicating, among
others.
Types
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Asperger’s
Bipolar Disorder
Major depression
Schizophrenia
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
PTSD
General Anxiety Disorder
Characteristics
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Test taking anxiety
Distracted easily
Problems with concentration
Drowsiness
Problems with attendance
Trouble meeting dues dates and keeping
appointments
• Difficulty dealing with stress, social situations,
and new situations
Possible Accommodations
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Preferential seating
Volunteer note takers
Pre-arranged classroom breaks
Tape recorder
Changing in test format
Extended time
Attendance accommodations
Substitute assignments
Teaching Tips
• Provide regular feedback
• Hand out class notes or outlines
• Be flexible with assignments when a student is
hospitalized or absent because of disability
• Speak with the student ahead of time about
accommodations and what they will need
• Do not crowd the students personal space
• Ignore behaviors that are not ordinary and are
not disruptive
Deaf and Hard of Hearing
• Students who have no or partial hearing in
one or both ears.
• May use American Sign Language (ASL),
visual cues and/or lip reading
• English is their second language
Possible Accommodations
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Interpreters
Note takers
Real time captioning (C-Print)
Copies of overheads and power points
before class
• Listening devices
• Provide closed captioning on all videos
Teaching Tips
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Prepare ahead of time
Be aware of your actions
Be tolerant
Be visible
Talk to the student
Make sure all videos or You Tubes are
captioned
• Ask Disability Services for extra help
Mobility Disabilities
There are many different types and degrees
of mobility disabilities:
arthritis
multiple sclerosis
amputation
cerebral palsy
strokes
Characteristics
• Trouble getting to class on time
• Difficulty moving objects
• Difficulty standing or sitting for long
periods
• Low stamina
• Tendency to have more incidences of
illness that last longer
Possible Accommodations
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Note takers and scribes
Tape recorders
Extended time on tests
Moving classroom for accessibility
Advanced notice of field trips and classroom changes
Classrooms with wide and clear aisles
Seating near exits
Modifications of classroom
Teaching Tips
• Make sure all equipment is accessible to
students
• Think ahead about possible difficulties when
doing something new
• Sit down when talking to a student in a
wheelchair when speaking with them for more
than a few minutes
• Review emergency procedure with student
• Ask if there is anything that they need that you
may not have thought of
Visual Disabilities
Students will have varying levels of
impairment from low vision to blindness.
Characteristics
• Struggle with glare and reduced lighting
• Difficulty learning visual concepts
• Difficulty getting to class due to
transportation problems
• May have a service animal
• Certain colors may be hard to see
Possible Accommodations
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E text text
Brailled text
Large print tests and handouts
Scan/read technology (JAWS, Dragon)
Preferred Seating
Readers
Scribe and note takers
Tape recorder
Teaching Tips
• Get material (handouts, tests) to Disability
Services well in advance for enlargement or
modifications
• Do not assume the student is already familiar
with technology
• When writing on the black board also say it out
loud
• Consider the student when showing a movie or
You Tube in the classroom
Frequently Asked Questions
• Will some of these accommodations take
more time to prepare for than others?
• What makes an accommodations
reasonable or unreasonable?
Frequently Asked Questions
• If a student asks for accommodations in
class, does the instructor have the right to
know what the disability is?
• Can I refuse an accommodation if I do not
think it is fair to other students in class?