Katina Young

This module introduced me to a variety of assessment options, and I realized that selecting the appropriate test format requires careful consideration. I need to ensure that the format I choose is fair, accurate, and provides students with a meaningful opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.

As an instructor, I need to set high expectations for professional communication that reflect the standards of the field my students are preparing to enter. If students are unable to write clearly and accurately, whether it’s a work order, technical bulletin, or internal memo, their professional success will be limited. The same applies to oral communication. The ability to express oneself clearly and appropriately is vital for career advancement.

I learned that as an instructor, I can increase student engagement and participation by using purposeful questioning techniques and by being intentional with how I manage classroom discussions. I learned that giving students adequate time to think after I ask a question is essential. By increasing wait time to at least three to five seconds (Wait Time 1), I can expect longer and more thoughtful responses, fewer failures to respond, and greater confidence among students. I also understand the importance of Wait Time 2, where I allow time for all students to reflect and respond to each other’s ideas. This… >>>

What I’ve learned is to recognize the importance of understanding my own preferred learning style so I don’t unintentionally teach in only that style. This self-awareness helps me avoid bias in my instructional approach. I’ve learned that varying my teaching methods is essential to accommodate the different learning styles my students bring to the classroom.

I learned that the rise of personal electronic devices and educational technology has made learning more flexible and accessible, allowing students to learn in almost any setting. High school now offer a variety of course formats (online, hybrid, in-person, etc.), which helps students with learning disabilities find options that match their learning preferences. Most students with learning disabilities entering college are already familiar with learning apps from high school, and they know how to use them effectively.

What I learned from this module is many individuals with learning disabilities do not complete high school or pursue postsecondary education due to struggles and a lack of confidence in their academic success. Because of their academic difficulties, these individuals often feel they have limited realistic career paths available to them. It’s important to provide students with learning disabilities opportunities to explore different careers where they can use their strengths and talents. Hands-on experiences can help them find suitable paths.

What I learned in this module is there isn't one specific assessment that can diagnose a learning disability. Instead, a full understanding comes from observation and building a profile of the student's learning behaviors and that recognizing learning challenges early allows for timely support and intervention, which significantly improves a child’s educational experience and outcomes.

What I learned in this module is to truly grasp the challenges faced by students with learning disabilities, it's important to understand how typical reading development occurs.