struggling learner or slow learner..

i always believe, problems are there for us to solve, to make us to be a better person.. I do not like to label.. but reading the below make me feel comforted.. why? because I just have to repeat, repeat and repeat.. because there are ways to overcome.. because there are solutions.. and simply because, the challenge will make me be a better person.. err.. after all the mad screaming, cajoling, etc.. i come to the conclusions that being angry will not solve the problem.. so I just have to deal with it.. albeit slowly.. but knowing all these will not prevent me from blowing my top.. afterall, i'm always improving myself..

backdrop: Ken came home with his Maths test paper incomplete.. he did 30 questions out of 45 in the given 1.5hr paper.. then today, after his Maths CA2 (exam), he told me he just started question 1 of Section C, when the time was up. That means 20/100 marks gone.

So, I asked him, "what now".. grinning sheepishly, he said, "practice more?".. he's just so cool.. i wish i have half his cool-ness.. looks like back to more practice.

What does it mean to be a struggling learner or slow learner?

A "slow learner" is not a diagnostic category, it is a term people use to describe a student who has the ability to learn necessary academic skills, but at rate and depth below average same age peers. In order to grasp new concepts, a slow learner needs more time, more repetition, and often more resources from teachers to be successful. Reasoning skills are typically delayed, which makes new concepts difficult to learn.

What are some of the challenges educationally for struggling or slow learners?

Typically, a slow learner has difficulty with higher order thinking or reasoning skills. This suggests that it will be more challenging to learn new concepts. New skills need to be based upon already mastered concepts. This can be difficult when the majority of the class has already mastered a concept and is moving on, while the slow learner needs more time. This can lead to gaps in knowledge and basic skills. The more gaps in a content area, the more challenging it is for anyone to learn new concepts.

It's also important to recognize that these students are typically keenly aware they are struggling and self confidence can be an issue. They are prone to anxiety, low self image, and eventually may be quick to give up. They often feel "stupid" and start hating school. They spend all day doing something that is difficult for them, it can be very draining. Finding other activities that the student can be successful in is very important. There should be emphasis on strengths as well.

What are some classroom recommendations?

• Repetition, repetition, repetition. You might feel like you are saying the same thing over and over, but it helps make a concept more concrete.
• Encourage other activities in which the child can experience success and keep them connected.
• Differentiated Instruction
• Tutoring- This helps fill in gaps in basic skills and it helps a student stay caught up.
• Teach study skills to help a student become more efficient in studying
• Teach the most important concepts and leave out some of the less important details.
• Peer tutoring

Reference:
http://www.schoolpsychologistfiles.com/slowLearnerFaq.html



(2011-08-23 22:28:01 SGT) [education] Permalink Comments [2]