Learning Difficulties Helen McLeod October 2008 One Definition of a Learning Difficulty A learning difficulty occurs when there are very large differences.

Learning Difficulties

Helen McLeodOctober 2008

One Definition of a

Learning Difficulty

A learning difficulty occurs when there are very large differences between a person’s learning strengths and weaknesses so thatthe weaknesses seem to continually get in the way and prevent the individual from

demonstrating his/her strengths.

Learning difficulties

If they can’t learnthe way we teach, we’d better teach the way they learn.

Learning Styles

Visual

Auditory Kinesthetic

AttentionAttention DeficitDeficit

DisordersDisorders

Attention Deficit DisordersAttention Deficit Disorders

Can’t block out noise or visual distractionsBlocks out distractions too completely - doesn’t

see or hear interjection.Can’t sustain attention - becomes easily bored

or tired.Can’t remember oral instructions.Difficulty prioritizing.Tendency to daydream.

Visual ProcessingProblems

AuditoryProcessing Problems

Interpreting & Reasoning(Perceptual)

Problems

If you think your student has a learning difficulty . . .

TELL him/her!Be careful to use words like “I think. or maybe”

He/She may be very relieved to know that they are not stupid!

The Most Important Principles when working with a student who

has a learning difficulty are to:

help the student understand his difficulty teach to the student’s dominant learning style focus on the student’s strengths give extra time review regularly and consistently help find compensating strategies provide optimal learning environment help the student learn how to learn tap into the help available in the office!

Q ue stions?