Helping kids with learning issues
Ten General Principles of Instruction for Teachers to Help Kids with Learning Issues
Help kids experience success!
- Involve the student – students need to be involved and actively engaged in their learning. Teachers need to discuss each aspect of the program with the child. Goals that are set together are far more effective than those set by the teacher. Talk with the student about the approach to learning they will take and ask for feedback. Teachers need to ask the student how they are feeling about the process and understand what is working and what needs adjustment.
- Use multi-sensory teaching methods – students need to see, hear, say and write what they are learning! Teachers need to be as creative as possible.
- Teach students to use logic rather than rote memory – students can learn about spelling rules rather than only relying on their memories. In maths, teach students about logic.
- Present materials sequentially – use the metaphor of building a house and work slowly and sequentially.
- Present material in small units – don’t overload the student. They need small manageable chunks of information.
- Practice, practice, practice and review – always spend part of the lesson reviewing what was learned and review the previous lesson at the start of each lesson.
- Help students organise time and space – use a diary or calendar to assist in planning and always have spare pens and pencils ready to give to students.
- Individualised instruction – where possible, one-on-one time is highly beneficial.
- Always be aware of the emotional climate – if a student is really struggling and it is affecting their self esteem and mood, be prepared to switch to something else; preferably something the student is really good at!
- Laugh a lot – learning needs to be fun, especially if you want to convert students into lifelong learners.