Teaching college students with learning diabilities

Teaching College Students with Learning Disabilities

In recent times , the instruction of students with learning disabilities (LD ) in K-12 classes are given more attention in public schools through new teaching concepts . Consequently , the number of students with learning disabilities entering college also increased . However , the students deal with a different set of issues upon entering college level , therefore necessitating a more systematic method of accommodating their needs

Disability Law at the College Level is Not as Prescriptive

At the college level , the prescriptive Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA ) is

not applicable . Other disability laws are vague in dealing with instruction

The Instructional Climate in Higher Education is Changing

In the past , college professors emphasized content over pedagogy when dealing with students with LD . But recent attitudes giving emphasis to pedagogy are improving college instruction for those with LD , especially since instructors are entering the academia at a time when teaching skills are valued . Information technology is helping support new teaching methods .The Disability Services and faculty also team up in helping students

A mixed level of pedagogical expertise among faculty as well as the uniqueness of each student is addressed by the Universal Design for Instruction (UDI

Universal Design for Instruction

The UDI includes a specific set of principles with an inclusionary approach to systematically incorporate accessible features into a design instead of retrofitting changes . UDI is made to be used by a diverse range of individuals , anticipating their needs and incorporating effective strategies to make learning more accessible . This method should enable students with LD to overcome some of their learning barriers

Principles of Universal Design for Instruction

1 . Equitable use - Instruction is designed to be useful to and accessible by people with diverse abilities

2 . Flexibility in use - Instruction is designed to accommodate a wide range of individual abilities . It provides choice in methods of use

3 . Simple and intuitive instruction - Instruction is designed in a straightforward and predictable manner , regardless of the student 's experience , knowledge , language skills , or current concentration level eliminating unnecessary complexity

4 . Perceptible information - Instruction is designed so that necessary information is communicated effectively , regardless of ambient conditions or the student 's sensory abilities

5 . Tolerance for error - Instruction anticipates variation in individual student learning pace and requisite skills

6 . Low physical effort - Instruction is designed to minimize ssential physical effort in to allow maximum attention to learning

7 . Size and space for approach and use - Instruction is designed with consideration for appropriate size and space for approach , reach manipulations , and use regardless of a student 's body size , posture mobility , and communication needs

8 . A community of learners - The instructional environment promotes interaction and communication among students and between students and faculty

9 . Instructional climate - Instruction is designed to be welcoming and inclusive . High expectations are espoused for all students

A Step Toward the Future

College instructors should be able to more effectively teach all students , including those with LD when applying the principles of UDI In addition , support in the form of the website facultyware .com is being built for effective instruction ...