What are Learning Difficulties?
Basic information
People with learning difficulties do not struggle with intelligence or motivational issues, they are not dumb or lazy; their brains are just wired differently than others. This difference affects the way they take in and process information; they simply hear, see and understand things differently. This leads to difficulties in reading, writing, math, reasoning, listening and speaking. Students with learning difficulties are just as smart as their peers all they need is to be taught in a unique way (i.e. accommodation) to match their style of thinking. |
Assessment
The school is responsible for assessing children with learning difficulties to be able to select the right support services and plan instruction appropriately. Formal and informal assessment need to be conducted to identify the learning difficulty. Ability, cognitive processes and academic achievement will all be assessed in selecting the best instructional approaches.
Some teaching suggestions
The school is responsible for assessing children with learning difficulties to be able to select the right support services and plan instruction appropriately. Formal and informal assessment need to be conducted to identify the learning difficulty. Ability, cognitive processes and academic achievement will all be assessed in selecting the best instructional approaches.
Some teaching suggestions
- Using a variety of instructional modes/formats
- Using multi-sensory learning
- Ensure the child is comfortable asking questions
- Build confidence through strengths
- Use technology-aid and materials that may facilitate the learning process
- Introduce and explain complex vocabulary words before using them in context
- Understand the child’s learning style and how he/she best expresses what he/she knows (use strengths rather than weaknesses and work around them)