School can be a challenging place for children with learning difficulties. They may struggle with academic skills, social interactions, self-regulation, and motivation. They may also face stigma, discrimination, and low expectations from others. How can we support these children and help them thrive in school?
Learning difficulties are not a homogeneous group. They can have different causes, manifestations, and impacts on learning. Some common types of learning difficulties include dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and sensory processing disorder (SPD). Each child with a learning difficulty has strengths, needs, preferences, and goals.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for helping children with learning difficulties. However, some general principles that can guide our practice are:
Identify and assess the child's strengths and needs. Use formal and informal assessments to determine the child's level of achievement, learning style, interests, and preferences. Use this information to plan appropriate instruction and interventions that match the child's needs and goals.
Provide differentiated instruction and accommodations. Differentiate the content, process, product, and learning environment according to the child's readiness, interest, and learning profile. Provide accommodations that reduce barriers and increase access to learning, such as extra time, modified assignments, assistive technology, or alternative formats.
Use evidence-based practices and interventions. Use instructional methods and strategies proven effective for children with learning difficulties, such as explicit instruction, scaffolding, feedback, modeling, guided practice, peer tutoring, cooperative learning, or multisensory approaches.
Monitor progress and adjust instruction. Use formative and summative assessments to monitor the child's progress toward learning goals and objectives. Use data to evaluate the effectiveness of instruction and interventions and make necessary adjustments based on the child's response.
Foster a positive learning environment. Create a classroom culture that values diversity, inclusion, collaboration, and respect. Provide opportunities for children to interact with peers and adults who support their learning and development. Encourage children to set realistic goals, celebrate achievements, and learn from mistakes.
Communicate and collaborate with stakeholders. Establish regular communication and collaboration with the child's parents, other teachers, specialists, counselors, administrators, and community members involved in the child's education. Share information about the child's strengths, needs, progress, challenges, and support. Seek input and feedback from others and work together to address any issues or concerns.
Children with learning difficulties can succeed in school if they receive appropriate support from teachers and parents. Using these principles, we can help them overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
Sources:
¹ What is school like for a child with learning difficulties? https://theconversation.com/what-is-school-like-for-a-child-with-learning-difficulties-30829
² Learning difficulties – News, Research, and Analysis – The Conversation https://theconversation.com/us/topics/learning-difficulties-6703
³ (PDF) “SLOW LEARNERS- A UNIVERSAL PROBLEM AND PROVIDING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES TO THEM TO BE A SUCCESSFUL LEARNER https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339935224_SLOW_LEARNERS-_A_UNIVERSAL_PROBLEM_AND_PROVIDING_EDUCATIONAL_OPPORTUNITIES_TO_THEM_TO_BE_A_SUCCESSFUL_LEARNER
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