3 answers
Norah
Student
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Question
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How can I still be an effective teacher if I have special needs students in my classroom?
I'm studying Elementary Education and Special Education at Houghton University.
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3 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Norah. Teaching students with special needs can be challenging, but it's also very rewarding. With the right approach, you can be an effective teacher for all your students, no matter their needs.
The first thing you need to do is get to know the individual needs of your students. Every student is different, and understanding what they need helps you support them better. Some students might have learning disabilities, etc., and each of these students may need different types of help. Make sure to work with special education staff, parents, and others to understand each child's strengths and challenges.
Another important tip is to differentiate your instruction. This means adjusting your teaching methods to fit the different ways students learn. For example, some students might need extra help with reading, so you could give them audio versions of books or break tasks into smaller pieces. Other students might learn best with hands-on activities. The more ways you present the material, the better your chances are of reaching every student.
Creating a positive classroom environment is also important. Make sure all students feel valued and included. You can encourage students to work together in groups, so they can learn from one another and practice social skills. When students work together, they can help each other succeed.
Being flexible and patient is also important when teaching students with special needs. Things may not always go according to plan, and some days will be more difficult than others. It's ok if students need more time to learn something or if they struggle with certain tasks.
It's also helpful to use support from others. Don't hesitate to ask for advice or help from other teachers or special education staff at your school. They can provide resources and ideas to help you better support your students.
The first thing you need to do is get to know the individual needs of your students. Every student is different, and understanding what they need helps you support them better. Some students might have learning disabilities, etc., and each of these students may need different types of help. Make sure to work with special education staff, parents, and others to understand each child's strengths and challenges.
Another important tip is to differentiate your instruction. This means adjusting your teaching methods to fit the different ways students learn. For example, some students might need extra help with reading, so you could give them audio versions of books or break tasks into smaller pieces. Other students might learn best with hands-on activities. The more ways you present the material, the better your chances are of reaching every student.
Creating a positive classroom environment is also important. Make sure all students feel valued and included. You can encourage students to work together in groups, so they can learn from one another and practice social skills. When students work together, they can help each other succeed.
Being flexible and patient is also important when teaching students with special needs. Things may not always go according to plan, and some days will be more difficult than others. It's ok if students need more time to learn something or if they struggle with certain tasks.
It's also helpful to use support from others. Don't hesitate to ask for advice or help from other teachers or special education staff at your school. They can provide resources and ideas to help you better support your students.
Jerry Tingstad
Professor/middle school teacher/48 years
165
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
Start with Wong's answer. And read again.
the one thing I could add would be this: Mr. Wong said to not hesitate to ask advice from other teachers and specialists education staff.
I would add seek and take advice from your own students.
I see a class as a unit. A single entity. Which includes the teacher. You are all in this together, with the teacher being more of a quarterback rather than the coach.
If you can get a new class to jell, and jell quickly, the "{special needs" students are a part of the whole, not in a group by themselves.
If you can make this happen, taking good care of the education of all the students, "outside help" will be at a minimum.
If you cannot bright together your entire class, for whatever reason, then it's outside help time.
This approach will take time to develop, but as you gain experience, it should then just become a matter of form.
the one thing I could add would be this: Mr. Wong said to not hesitate to ask advice from other teachers and specialists education staff.
I would add seek and take advice from your own students.
I see a class as a unit. A single entity. Which includes the teacher. You are all in this together, with the teacher being more of a quarterback rather than the coach.
If you can get a new class to jell, and jell quickly, the "{special needs" students are a part of the whole, not in a group by themselves.
If you can make this happen, taking good care of the education of all the students, "outside help" will be at a minimum.
If you cannot bright together your entire class, for whatever reason, then it's outside help time.
This approach will take time to develop, but as you gain experience, it should then just become a matter of form.
Ivuelekwa Michael
Script writer
7
Answers
Owerri, Imo, Nigeria
Updated
Ivuelekwa’s Answer
When you have a student with special need first you'll try to resolve his or her needs by yourself but if it's impossible for you, I'll advise you can submit this special needs to the teachers forums for others to assist.