Most teachers in South African classrooms will encounter learners who struggle to learn as it affects 3% – 7% of the population (Statistics South Africa (2005). This means that throughout their teaching career, a teacher might come across a learner with this learning difficulty. Having to balance between regular and learners with a learning condition, can be an extremely difficult task, especially for new teachers. Thus, it is highly important to have strategies in place that teachers can employ when they come across learners with learning difficulties in their classroom.
According to Tabak & Zawadzka (2016) a learning disability or disorder is a condition in the brain that causes difficulties comprehending or processing information and can be caused by several different factors. Learning disability can lead to a predicament with learning new information and skills, and putting them into practice. The most common types of learning disabilities involve problems with reading, writing, math, reasoning, listening, and speaking.
Achieving success with addressing the challenges of learners who struggle to learn, is possible by using some key strategies related to different disabilities. Kemp, Smith & Segal (2023) argues that either a leaner has been diagnosed with learning disorder or not, each and every child has their own unique learning style. Some children learn best by seeing or reading, others by listening, and still others by doing. So, the most important task for any teacher will be identifying the unique learning style of a learner. Then once the unique learning style has been identified, the teacher can employ a strategy that will best suits the learner’s needs.
The following list can help a teacher identify the unique learning style of a learner:
Is a learner a visual learner?
Visual learners learn best by:
- Seeing or reading.
- Having the learning material presented and tested visually, rather than verbally.
- Benefiting from written notes, directions, diagrams, charts, maps, and pictures.
- Drawing, reading, and writing; are often good at spelling.
Is a learner an auditory learner?
Auditory learners learn best by:
- Having a lecture-based learning environments and on oral reports and tests.
- Having classroom discussions, spoken directions, study groups.
- Music, languages, and being on stage.
Is a learner a kinesthetic learner?
Kinesthetic learners learn best by:
- Doing and moving.
- Moving, touching, exploring, and creating in order to learn.
- Having hands-on activities, lab classes, props, skits, and field trips.
- Sports, drama, dance, martial arts, and arts and crafts.
Once the learning style has been identified, the next and final step will be to employ a suitable strategy for a learner. Teachers might choose the following strategies:
Visual learners can be best taught by:
- Using books, videos, computers, visual aids, and flashcards.
- Making detailed, color-coded or high-lighted notes.
- Making outlines, diagrams, and lists.
- Using drawings and illustrations (preferably in colour).
- Taking detailed notes in class.
Auditory learners can be best taught by:
- Reading notes or study materials out loud.
- Using word associations and verbal repetition to memorize.
- Studying with other students. Talk things through.
- Listening to books on tape or other audio recordings.
- Using a tape recorder to listen to lectures again later.
Kinesthetic learners can be best taught by:
- Getting hands on. Doing experiments and take field trips.
- Using activity-based study tools, like role-playing or model building.
- Studying in small groups and take frequent breaks.
- Using memory games and flash cards.
- Studying with music playing in the background.
Diagram showing different learning styles:
https://educateradiateelevate.org/blog/advice-for-parents-educators/the-4-learning-styles/
References:
Kemp, G., Smith, M., & Segal, J. (2020). Learning disabilities and disorders. HelpGuide.https://www.helpguide.org/articles/autism-learning-disabilities/learning-disabilities-and-disorders.htm
Statistics South Africa (2005): Prevalence of disability in South Africa. Report No 03-02-44 (2004)
Tabak I & Zawadzka D. 2016. ‘The importance of positive parenting in predicting adolescent mental health’, Journal of Family Studies, 23 (2017), pp (1-18). dol:10.1080/13229400.2016.1240098
Sineliso Thabede
Lecturer