Forum Discussion - Learning Disabilities
Forum Discussion - Learning Disabilities
Forum Discussion - Learning Disabilities
Lecturer’s Signature:
__________________________
TABLE OF CONTENT
Learning disability (LD) is a broad term that refers to a specific type of learning
difficulties. A learning disability can make it difficult for someone to learn and apply specific
abilities. Reading, writing, listening, speaking, thinking, and maths are the most common
skills impaired by learning difficulties. Learning disabilities differ from person to person.
As a result, one person with LD may not experience the same learning difficulties as
another. One person may have difficulty with reading and writing. Another person with LD
may have troubles with maths. Another person may have difficulty in all of these areas, as
well as understanding what others are saying.
Surprisingly, there is no clear and consistent definition of learning difficulties. There
are many sectors involved, and people are still questioning what the definition should be.
Currently, professional writings contain at least twelve definitions. Technical definitions from
a variety of health and education sources are provided.
❖ Enhanced Learning:
This intervention is intended to develop basic abilities that will be useful for future
learning and growth. These include phonemic awareness, decoding abilities, and
vocabulary growth in reading, as well as the development of maths skills to lay a solid
foundation for future academic achievement.
❖ Increased Independence:
This intervention also promotes independence and self-advocacy by teaching students
the right learning strategies and ways to improve their self-advocacy. It will empower
them to become active participants in their education as well as take ownership of
their learning journey.
❖ Targeted Support:
Interventions show specific learning challenges, such as reading comprehension,
writing skills, or mathematical concepts. That is why we must provide individualised
strategies and ways to overcome these challenges.
❖ Inclusive Environment:
1
This specialised intervention identifies the essential of creating a support and
inclusive environment for students with learning disabilities. As an example,
collaboration between educators, parents and experts to give the necessary
accommodations, modifications, and individualised support that students needed.
2
2.0 OVERVIEW OF INTERVENTIONS AND INSTRUCTIONAL APPROACHES
In this section, we will explore approaches to support students with learning
disabilities. As mentioned above, the approaches are differentiated instruction, multi-sensory
learning, and assistive technology.
3
feel challenged and empowered to learn in ways that resonate with them. And, it also helps to
make sure that all students achieve their goals, regardless of their starting point.
In a nutshell, differentiated instruction is a powerful tool that can be used to create a
more balanced and effective learning atmosphere for all students. By modifying instruction to
individual needs, DI empowers students to learn at their own pace, way and to demonstrate
their understanding in a way that is meaningful for them. As educators continue to strive for
excellence in teaching, DI gives a valuable framework for making a truly personalised and
empowering learning experience for all.
4
learning the alphabet, while a student who struggles with processing auditory information
might benefit from visual aids, paired with hands-on activities.
The implementation of multi-sensory learning strategies can be effectively integrated
into numerous subjects. In mathematics, using manipulatives such as blocks or counters will
represent the maths concept to help students visualise and understand an abstract idea. In
language learning, by using music, songs, rhymes can help in remembering grammar and
vocabulary rules. Similarly, science classes can be improved by allowing students to carry out
experiments, prepare models, and other forms of visual aids in order to render the concepts of
science to be more solid and tangible.
5
In conclusion, assistive technology is not just about offering tools, it shows a
paradigm shift in educational practices, encouraging a culture of inclusivity and accessibility.
By embracing AT, teachers can create a learning environment where every student feels
appreciated, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. This commitment to
inclusivity makes sure that all students have an equivalent chance to learn, grow, and
succeed, regardless of their abilities.
6
3.0 EFFECTIVENESS OF THESE INTERVENTIONS
In this section, we will explore the effectiveness of three common interventions for
students with learning difficulty which are Differentiated Instruction, Multi-sensory learning,
and Assistive Technology. This approach will be assessed based on research findings, and
point out their strengths and limitations.
7
3.2 MULTI-SENSORY LEARNING
Research Supporting Effectiveness:
- Various studies show that multi-sensory learning could potentially bring about better
retention of memories, engagement, and understanding among students with learning
difficulty. (Obaid, 2012)
- Research has shown that multi-sensory techniques, in fact, may be quite highly
effective to help students with dyslexia through effectively enhancing reading, writing
and spelling skills. (Singh, 2021)
Strengths:
- Improved Memory:
This multi-sensory of learning embeds information more effectively into the memory
by opening multiple ways of processing it.
- Engagement:
It may be more intriguing and interesting if it involves a number of senses, that is the
reason for better and higher levels of participation and motivations from the students'
side.
- Better understanding:
Sometimes, explaining through different senses might get better comprehension,
p[articularly in those students who do not easily comprehend under conventional
modes of teaching.
Limitations:
- Overwhelm: Too much sensory stimulation can be too much to handle by some
learners, especially in the case of sensory processing problems
- Not suitable for All subjects: The methods are not always appropriate for all
subjects or learning objectives.
- Resource Intensive: Basically, multi-sensory methods demand more resources and
time compared to traditional ones.
8
3.3 ASSISTIVE TOUCH
Research Supporting Effectiveness:
- Several research shows that assistive technology can completely enhance academic
outcomes for students with learning difficulty, containing improvement of reading
fluency, writing quality, and overall academic performance. (Obafemi Ayodeji
Olayemi & Ishola Ayodele Oluwaseun, 2023)
- Research has also pinpointed various positive outcomes of assistive technology on the
self-esteem, motivation, and social participatory skills of students with special needs.
(Hub, 2024)
Strengths:
- Increased Access:
Assistive Technology will provide learners with disabilities the access to information
and learning opportunities that otherwise would not be accessible.
- Promotes Independence:
By providing the tools and strategies to overcome certain challenges, assistive
technology can promote student independence and self-efficacy.
- Enhanced Learning:
Assistive technology can facilitate learners with learning difficulty to engage with
content more effectively to enhance their understanding and academic performance.
Limitations:
- Cost:
The costs of some assistive technologies are also quite pricey, whereby schools
operating on extremely tight budgets may face difficulties in acquiring proper devices
and software.
- Training:
Teachers and students should be given proper training and support to use assistive
technology.
- Accessibility:
Not every student with a certain kind of disability could have access to all kinds of
assistive technology, and that is why individual adjustments or modifications may be
required.
9
4.0 INTEGRATION OF STRATEGIES INTO TEACHING
In this part we will delve into how to successfully integrate differentiated instructions,
multi-sensory learning and assistive technology into a classroom setting to make a
personalised and supportive learning environment.
10
Practical Example: In a unit about the Malaysian Revolution, a teacher might
provide tiered activities for students involved in a research project. Options might
range from a simple timeline to developing a more intricate infographic to writing a
persuasive essay on arguing for or against an event.
11
4.2 MULTI-SENSORY LEARNING: ENGAGING MULTIPLE SENSES
Visuals Aids:
Teachers may use diagrams, flow charts, maps, and other types of illustrations to
deliver information in an interesting format.
Auditory Learning:
To engage with the auditory learners, teachers can use audio recordings, music, and
spoken word activities.
Kinesthetic Learning:
To blend in with kinesthetic learners, teachers encourage movement and hands-on
activities.
Practical Example: During a history lesson on ancient civilizations, a teacher could
use a combination of visual aids like maps and pictures, auditory learning as an
example audio recordings of historical narrations, and kinesthetic learning where
students can build models of ancient structures.
12
5.0 CONCLUSION
In a nutshell, it is essential to use a variety of instructional methods in order to meet
the different needs of students with learning disabilities. Application of one size fits all thus
proves ineffective since most of the students with disabilities often need specific
interventions and accommodations to address the difficulties they face. This
multidimensional approach from the educator will make the learning environment all
inclusive and interactive , hence giving rise to a sense of belonging and developing
academically.
Moreover, personalised learning relies on differentiation to meet unique needs in each
of the individual students. It recognizes that students learn at different paces and in different
ways and gives the educator the actual freedom to do what each student may need
individually to optimise his or her learning process. It is at this point that educators will be
able to help students with learning disabilities develop their strengths, work out their
weaknesses, and realise their full academic potential by offering them the necessary support
and guidance.
Finally, it covers the adoption of numerous instructional strategies, hence the focus on
personalised learning as part of an effective and supportive learning environment for
learners with learning disabilities. With such practices, the educators can equip these
students to overcome the challenges, embrace their learning styles, and eventually be
successful in their education journey.
13
REFERENCES
Annual Goals | Centre for Parent Information and Resources. (2017). Parentcenterhub.org.
https://www.parentcenterhub.org/iepgoals/
Assistive Technology Industry Association. (2015, October 11). What is AT? Assistive
Technology Industry Association; Assistive Technology Industry Association.
https://www.atia.org/home/at-resources/what-is-at/
Blackwell, W. H., & Rossetti, Z. S. (2014). The development of individualised education
programs. SAGE Open, 4(2), 215824401453041.
https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244014530411
Cook, Albert. M., & Gray, David. B. (2024, September 18). Assistive technology.
Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/assistive-technology
DeLussey, S. (2022, April 26). What goes in the present levels of performance - the
intentional IEP. The Intentional IEP.
https://www.theintentionaliep.com/present-levels-performance/
Divyansh Bordia. (2021, October 7). Multi-Sensory teaching and its effectiveness.
Teachmint.com. https://blog.teachmint.com/multi-sensory-teaching/amp/
Ellis DO, M. A. (2019). Individualised education programs (IEP): 11 facts to know.
Psychology Today.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/caring-autism/201901/individualized-educ
ation-programs-iep-11-facts-know?msockid=37628b2776716d9a04fa9fda77d86c5a
Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). (2024). U.S. Department of Education.
https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/civil-rights-laws/protecting-students/free-appropr
iate-public-education-fape
Gupta, S. (2024, May 13). What is a learning disability? Verywell Mind.
https://www.verywellmind.com/learning-disabilities-types-causes-symptoms-and-treat
ment-6386232
Hanson, J. (2024, February 23). Understanding FAPE: Special education rights guide.
Special-Education-Journey.com.
https://special-education-journey.com/understanding-fape-a-deep-dive-into-special-ed
ucation-rights-in-the-u-s/
Hub, I. (2024). Assistive technology and education: Improving outcomes for students with
disabilities. Global Disability Innovation Hub.
14
https://www.disabilityinnovation.com/blog/assistive-technology-and-education-impro
ving-outcomes-for-students-with-disabilities
Kaufman, T. (n.d.). What are learning disabilities? Www.understood.org.
https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-are-learning-disabilities
Kristenson, S. (2023, May 18). 15 SMART goals examples for an IEP (individualized
education program). Develop Good Habits.
https://www.developgoodhabits.com/smart-goals-iep/
Lee, A. (2023, September 26). Assistive technology basics. Understood.
https://www.understood.org/en/articles/assistive-technology
Mar, Z. D. (2024, January 22). Differentiation: Content, process, product, and learning
environment.Www.hmhco.com.
https://www.hmhco.com/blog/differentiation-content-process-product-learning-enviro
nment
Minshew, A. (2020, July 24). How differentiated instruction can help you reach every student
in class. Waterford.org.
https://www.waterford.org/blog/differentiated-instruction-strategies/
Morin, A. (2022). What is multisensory instruction? Understood.
https://www.understood.org/en/articles/multisensory-instruction-what-you-need-to-kn
ow
Myles, S. (2023, November 3). 9 effective interventions for students with learning
disabilities. Blog.teamsatchel.com.
https://blog.teamsatchel.com/pulse/9-effective-interventions-for-students-with-learnin
g-disabilities-1
National Association of Special Education Teachers. (2024). National association of special
education teachers: Determining measurable annual goals in an IEP. Www.naset.org.
https://www.naset.org/publications/the-practical-teacher/determining-measurable-ann
ual-goals-in-an-iep
National Association of Special Education Teachers: Introduction to Learning Disabilities.
(n.d.). Www.naset.org.
https://www.naset.org/publications/ld-report/introduction-to-learning-disabilities
O’Shea, C. (2022, March). Individualised education programs (ieps) (for parents) -
kidshealth. Kidshealth.org. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/iep.html
Obafemi Ayodeji Olayemi, & Ishola Ayodele Oluwaseun. (2023). Teacher perspectives on
effectiveness of assistive technology in supporting children with dyslexia learning
15
disabilities in Ogun state, nigeria. IntechOpen EBooks.
https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.108598
Obaid, M. A. S. (2012). The Impact Of Using A Multi-Sensory Approach For Teaching
Students With Learning Disabilities. Journal of International Education Research
(JIER), 9(1), 75–82. https://doi.org/10.19030/jier.v9i1.7502
Pendharkar, E. (2023, July 27). What is an IEP? Individualised education programs,
explained. Education Week.
https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/what-is-an-iep-individualized-education-pr
ograms-explained/2023/07
Rello-Anselmi, C. (n.d.). Division of specialized instruction and student support.
https://infohubstg.nyced.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/developing
thepresentlevelsofperformance3_remediated.pdf
Sahril, S., N, A. S., & Nur, Muh. S. (2021). The impact of differentiated instruction on
students’ performance in critical reading. Eralingua: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Asing
Dan Sastra, 5(1), 275. https://doi.org/10.26858/eralingua.v5i1.18937
Singh, M. (2021, November 30). Advantages, disadvantages, and examples of multisensory
approach. Number Dyslexia.
https://numberdyslexia.com/advantages-disadvantages-and-examples-of-multisensory
-approach/
Stanberry, K. (n.d.). PLAAFP, PLOP and PLP | important IEP terms. Www.understood.org.
https://www.understood.org/en/articles/setting-an-iep-baseline-plop-plaafp-and-plp
Taghvayi, D., Vaziri, Sh., & Kashani, F. L. (2012). The effectiveness of integrative approach,
fernald multi-sensory technique on decrease reading disability. Procedia - Social and
Behavioral Sciences, 69, 1264–1269. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.12.060
The Understood Team. (n.d.). What Is an IEP? | Individualised Education Program.
Www.understood.org.
https://www.understood.org/en/articles/understanding-individualized-education-progr
ams
TheDigiTeachers. (2020, November 15). Everything to know about differentiated instruction
in 2021. TheDigiTeachers. https://thedigiteachers.com/differentiated-instruction/
What research says about . . . / differentiated learning. (2010, February 1). ASCD.
https://ascd.org/el/articles/differentiated-learning
16