This site is a class blog space for new Career and Technical Specializations and Heathcare Science teachers enrolled in the New Teacher Institute (NTI) at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Mamane on Lavoie
The Rick Lavoie videos have been an eye-opening experience. You could also say heart-opening as well. He is quite masterful in helping you see through the students' eyes. That is the key to being a successful teacher with learning disabled students... or ANY student for that matter. The repeating a request three times in a row -- WOW -- it really works! I have a student who has Asperger's and is ADHD. He definitely is not a social creature, and I'm always trying to help him integrate in class. First I try to put him in a group that is going to tolerate him (and most do), and I try to find his strengths so he can have a role in the group. I think Lavoie's techniques help you understand students' needs, which in turn helps you become more patient and compassionate. Learning to create a calming atmosphere alleviates many possible problems from arising.
I too have been using this knowledge in my classroom and group formats. All my special needs students passed this semester, many ahead of others. With the same exams, worksheets, and homework. Of course there was additional effort, but they managed the same level as the others. I could not have achieved this without his insight.
ReplyDeleteAmy, I applaud your efforts to work with your Asperger's student. I have a child with Aspergers and school, in particular Middle School, traumatized him and our entire family (I have lots of stories that would take much too long to type). My son has an exceptional mind and is now doing well as a college freshman hoping to major in Physics or Mechatronics Engineering. My advise is that we need to really see our students and become an advocate on their behalf. We have to identify their strengths as well as their weaknesses and TEACH them. This goes for all students, and of course, LD children. My daughter stated last week that some of my students treat me like I'm their mother, always checking in and wanting to talk to me about something. I definitely understand that I am their teacher, but I also understand that my age and, dare I say wisdom, can also play a role in the life of a child.
ReplyDelete