David Wilson

Students with learning disabilities are often of above average or average intelligence. Sometimes all they need is a little nudge to come out of their shells, but you have to it in a way that won't make them feel embarressed- Rather push them a little, make them feel like they have your attention, and coach them through the moment.

The importance of English Learning students and the challenge they face in learning new content is that they are simultaneously taking on trying to understand that subject as well as what it means in terms of their everyday new language. It can be quite the challenge.

In reading them the structured outline, or "Course Syllabus," it helps many students to understand what the expectations of the class will be. This is sort of their road map in terms of how to navigate the class in particular and then they can look back at the end to see how successful they were in gaining the key concepts listed. I also encourage them to ask questions daily and remind them that if they are seeing this information for the first time, somebody else is also. Sometimes it takes a courageous person to ask the tough questions.

Not over-stating the points is a pretty good one that I picked up on. Sometimes pausing between responses is also a good key indicator to the on your interest level towards them. Instead of just brushing it off when they have a question, really take a moment to come up with a way they can apply it to everyday life.

Thanks!

Over preparing for a lecture is pretty good strategy. It tends to make you touch on a more full array of keypoints. Staying caught up with grading helps me be able to tailor the lecture to everybody's needs on a performance based standpoint.

We definitely have to be good listeners at the end of the day. They look to us for our experience and objectivity to help them accomplish their goals, as we already have something that they want.

Reply to John Monsam's post:Yes I can understand how it is sometimes easy to slip into an emotional position when it comes to our students, because we tend to empathize with them after spending a certain amount of time with them. Sometimes they will come to you with confidential information, ask you for advice and so you become part of their lifeline inventory. It's definitely best to listen and remain objective, expecially when you know something personal about them. You may even be subject to experiencing an emotional outburst from one of them. At the end of the day,… >>>

It is unfortunate loosing a student due to academic dishonesty, but definitely relieves some of the anxiety from the other students who witness it. It lets you reinforce your support to them that you want to promote a productive learning envirnment. You have to let them know that it's ok not to be an expert, but learning the material is what they need to strive for. Offering them reassurance that you are available to help them during and after class is encouraging. Then you put the ball in their court and become accountable for their own learning needs.

Good play on the disruptive student. As a new instructor, I've found them to be 50/50 when it comes to valuable contributers. Usually their peers usually do a great job of providing feedback on their own about it. As far as the couple of times I've observed any kind of major unacceptable outburst, I have let it play out to an extent, and then expressed my position on the input they were giving at that time; and at that point I didn't have to remind them that our conduct greatly defines our character to those around us. And so as… >>>

It is equally important to have a high expectation for students to show competency in the mastery of their material as it is for them to understand their role in helping to make the learning envirnment as smooth as possible. I often find my classes tend to band together in trying to get things figured out. They learn early on that we all share a common goal of wanting to do a good job. So I will usually ask their feedback by calling on them during classroom discussions. It shows them that it is ok not to know something, but… >>>