How to Teach Students with Learning Problems

Introduction

As teachers, we provide our students with the best of ourselves because we want them to succeed. We choose the most appropriate methods and the best tools. We then wrap up our courage to deliver our lessons effectively.

We are concerned about their academic development and are enthusiastic when we spot any positive change in their behavioral and cognitive development.

However, we can feel disheartened when faced with students with learning problems who struggle. We may feel lost and worry that our efforts are useless. This happens because not all teachers have had the type of training that provides strategies to cope with these types of problems.

This blog post aims to provide practical tips and strategies to help teachers support students with learning difficulties.

By improving teaching methods, assignments, and assessment techniques, teachers can create a more inclusive and effective learning environment for all students.

Let’s first understand what we mean by learning difficulties in this article!

Types of Learning Difficulties

Students may face a variety of learning difficulties that can impact their ability to succeed academically. Understanding these difficulties is crucial for providing the appropriate support and interventions. Here are some common types of learning difficulties:

Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that affects reading and related language-based processing skills. Students with dyslexia may have difficulties with:

• Reading fluently and accurately
• Understanding written text
• Spelling and writing
• Phonological processing (the manipulation of sounds)

Dyscalculia

Dyscalculia is a learning difficulty that affects a person’s ability to understand numbers and learn math facts. Students with dyscalculia may struggle with:

• Number sense and mathematical concepts
• Memorizing arithmetic facts
• Performing accurate calculations
• Understanding time and spatial concepts

Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects writing abilities. It can manifest as difficulties with:

• Handwriting and fine motor skills
• Spelling consistently
• Organizing thoughts on paper
• Writing coherent and structured text

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Students with ADHD may experience:

• Difficulty focusing and sustaining attention
• Trouble organizing tasks and activities
• Impulsiveness and difficulty waiting their turn
• Hyperactivity and restlessness

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

APD is a condition where the brain has trouble processing auditory information. Students with APD may have challenges with:

• Understanding spoken language, especially in noisy environments
• Following verbal instructions
• Distinguishing between similar sounds
• Remembering auditory information

Visual Processing Disorder

Visual Processing Disorder affects the ability to interpret visual information. Students with this disorder may struggle with:

• Understanding visual-spatial relationships
• Recognizing and remembering visual sequences
• Differentiating between similar-looking objects or symbols
• Copying from a board or book

Nonverbal Learning Disabilities (NVLD)

NVLD affects the ability to understand nonverbal cues and spatial relationships. Students with NVLD may have difficulties with:

• Motor coordination and fine motor skills
• Interpreting body language and facial expressions
• Understanding abstract concepts and nonverbal cues
• Social skills and interactions

Specific Learning Disability (SLD)

SLD is an umbrella term that includes a range of learning difficulties in specific areas such as reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), and math (dyscalculia). Students with SLD may have challenges with:

• Processing and interpreting information
• Retaining and recalling information
• Academic performance in specific subject areas

Now let’s explore some tips to teach students with learning problems.

Tips to Teach Students with Learning Problems

Here are practical and effective tips to teach students with learning problems:

Engage Students’ Attention

• Focus Attention: Have students’ attention focused on you before you start the lesson.
• Simple Language: Use simple language and speak slowly to ensure understanding.
• Teach Vocabulary: Introduce new vocabulary explicitly.

Instruction Techniques

• Explicit Instruction: Use explicit instruction instead of discovery methods, as it reduces affective filters and supports students who are not strong problem solvers.
• Precise Questions: Avoid open-ended questions; ask precise questions requiring specific answers to build towards your teaching objectives.
• Repeat and Review: Regularly repeat, review, and recycle information to foster long-term memory.
• Concrete Materials: Use concrete materials and pictures to aid understanding.
• Clear Instructions: Give one instruction at a time and have students repeat it to ensure understanding.
• Checklists: Provide a checklist of work to be done.

Vary Teaching Methods

• Multisensory Approaches: Vary teaching methods to meet all learning styles (oral, visual, kinesthetic, group work, individual work).
• Visual Aids: Write key points on the board, use colored chalk or markers, and present new information in tables, charts, or pictures.
• Highlight Important Points: Repeat important points and emphasize their significance to capture attention.
• Examples and Summaries: Provide examples of the work to be done and summarize key points at the end of the lesson using graphs, tables, or charts.

Encourage Independent Practice

• Break Learning into Steps: Break learning into small, manageable steps.
• Independent Practice: Encourage students to practice independently.

Assignments

Flexible and Guided Tasks

• Choice in Assignments: Allow students to choose from different forms of assignments (interviews, role plays, demonstrations, pictures with descriptions, written text).
• Controlled Tasks: Provide controlled or guided tasks instead of free tasks.

Time and Support

• Adequate Time: Allow enough time for students to answer questions or complete tasks and exercises.
• Varied Work Formats: Vary the way students complete their work (whole class, small groups, pairs).
• Outlines and Organizers: Provide outlines and graphic organizers to help students manage assignments.
• Reduced Workload: Focus on quality rather than quantity by reducing the amount of work to be done.
• Task Breakdown: Split large assignments into smaller parts.
• Assistance: Give students opportunities to ask for assistance when given a task.

Testing

Preparation and Study Skills

• Teach Study Skills: Teach students study skills and inform them about the teaching points that will be covered in the test.
• Review Sheets: Provide a review sheet as homework, then correct it in class, giving students time to ask questions and review concepts.

Test Techniques

• Test Familiarity: Teach key elements of tests (e.g., fill in the blanks, matching, analysis, definitions, multiple choice).
• Read Aloud: Read the test to the students if necessary.
• Relevant Content: Ensure the test covers what was taught and does not include unfamiliar material.
• Question Variety: Vary the types of test questions (matching, true/false, multiple choice, short answers, essays).
• Quiet Environment: Provide a quiet place for test-taking.
• Clear Criteria: Show students how you will mark the assignment and provide clear criteria for marking.
• Feedback: Provide feedback so that students learn from their mistakes and improve their learning.

Additional Strategies

Differentiated Instruction

• Differentiate Instruction: Adapt your instruction to meet the diverse needs of your students.

Mnemonics and Visuals

• Incorporate Mnemonics: Use mnemonics to aid memory.
• Visual Information: Organize information visually using graphic organizers.

Foster Curiosity and Understanding

• Inculcate Curiosity: Encourage curiosity and a love for learning.
• Know Your Students: Understand your students’ strengths, weaknesses, and interests to tailor your teaching approach.

Clear Instructions and Context

• Clear Instructions: Give clear and concise instructions.
• Specific Context: Teach within a specific context to make learning relevant and meaningful.

Prompts and Strategies

• Prompts for Strategies: Prompt students on strategies they can use for learning and problem-solving.

FAQs About Tips to Teach Students with Learning Difficulties

Conclusion

Teaching students with learning problems requires patience, creativity, and adaptability. By implementing the strategies outlined in this post, teachers can create a more inclusive and supportive classroom environment.

Remember, the goal is to help each student reach their full potential by providing the necessary support and resources. With dedication and the right approach, every student can experience success and growth in their learning journey.