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Each of us has our own way of learning that is as unique as our fingerprints. Unfortunately, since we are generally taught in groups, the methods used to "reach the masses" cannot meet the needs of every learner. Some people's learning differences are so extreme that classroom instruction may not meet their needs in learning basic skills. We do credit (and thank) teachers for their hard work in reaching every student. That is a clearly impossible task considering the array of learning styles and modalities individuals possess.
Many adults entering a literacy program were unable to learn in a classroom situation as a child. The fact remains that many have failed in school, perhaps because of distractions or different perceptions of the information presented.
Learning abilities have nothing to do with intelligence levels. Some findings state that Learning Disabled (LD) individuals can possess above average intelligence levels. If I do not learn like you do, does that mean that I am not normal? Could someone please tell me what normal is?
"LD" can stand for more than one term. I learn differently from you:
v learning disabled - a physician-diagnosed brain-based disorder
v learning difficulty - slower or different processing of information provided
v learning difference - processing information differently with more strength or
weakness in one learning modality than in another
v late development - brain center maturity level may be slightly behind
All Kinds of Minds web site says:
Every student can benefit from having a greater understanding of his own strengths and weaknesses, along with insight and a plan for optimizing learning. Helping parents, teachers, and students to acknowledge and appreciate these differences is the first step. Helping them to celebrate the differences is the goal. The long-term benefits are bound to include a very large group of people who feel good about themselves, feel good about their careers, and in general, feel good about life.
What do I look for that may indicate some sort of LD?
Here are a few things from an LD checklist written by Dr. Dale R. Jordan, Ph.D.
v eyes hurt, ache, get scratchy or burn
v get headaches from reading
v print changes or moves on a page
v turns letters upside down or around
v can't remember left from right
v trouble sequencing things such as the alphabet
v stumbles over names, directions and/or important details
v misinterprets what is heard, stops listening and does something different
v mixes letter cases, hand cramps from writing, loses place when reading
v poor spelling, can't remember rules for spelling
v short attention span, interrupts others, can't sit still
READ offers these screening methods:
v PowerPath to Adult Learning; an assessment that determines strength and weaknesses in an individual's learning styles/modalities
v Irlen Syndrome/Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome (SSS); a visual screening to determine a specific visual perception difficulty that affects reading and sensitivity to light
v Visual Therapy Assessment (VTA); a computer-based vision assessment that pins down visual tracking difficulties
v Washington State 13 Point Questionnaire; a short version of the Payne/Jordan Learning Inventory that pinpoints difficulties -- once determined proper referrals can be made for student
Yes, I learn differently from you. We want to celebrate our differences. We want to reach people using their personal learning strengths with their personal goals in mind. We want to make a difference, one person at a time!
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