Students with NLD are very concrete and literal, and have a
difficult time understanding the world around them. They are often eager to meet the expectations
of others, but have a difficult time understanding what they expectations are
and/ or how to meet them. These students
need very specific directions in order to function appropriately within a
school setting. Some tools teachers
could use are rubrics and models to help demonstrate for the student what the
performance expectation is. The
students with NLD, as I mentioned before, should be seated near the teacher
with few distractions as possible. The
use of an FM system could be very beneficial that allows one-on-one communications
from teacher to student. It’s important
to increase the amount of verbal instruction for this students, and “avoid
anything that competes with the student’s ability to listen to classroom
instruction”. Sometimes this child may
look like they are daydreaming, because of the lack of eye contact but a simple
touch on the arm will assure the teacher they are focused on the instruction
being given.
“Frontloading is a critical teaching strategy, because it
allows the NLD student to see the lesson in as much context as possible. Without the use of frontloading teaching
strategies that provide contextual information, the NLD students will likely be
unable to learn more than discrete facts.
She needs to be taught how to make connections… how facts, events, and
information relate to one another” (Tanguay, 2003). Another effective teaching strategy would be
cooperative learning if it’s done correctly.
This gives the child with NLD to use there strengths in the verbal/auditory
modality and have discussions.
In the last paragraph you said that it was important to incorporate cooperative learning. Do you think that would cause distractions though? In another class I am taking, we talk about how important it is to have the students relate everything to real life situations and make it meaningful for the students. I really think that it is so important for students with NLD too!
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned the FM system in your post. I had seen teachers at my internship school walking around with these little transmitters and earbuds in their ears. I had no idea what they were so I decided to ask one of the teachers when we were in the lounge. I found this to be very interesting and helpful for the students.
ReplyDeleteGood comments. The FM system is very effective for many children. Alternative communication systems can help, too. It would be important to instruct other children in how to reciprocate when using an alternative system. It is also important to demonstrate technology such as the FM system. Then it becomes part of the classroom and is more likely to be embraced by those who need it.
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