In the intricate tapestry of education, each student is unique, possessing distinct abilities, challenges, and learning styles. For learners with special educational needs (SEN), the journey through academia may present additional hurdles. However, the implementation of effective learning support programs can serve as a powerful catalyst for their academic and personal growth. Welcome to the transformative world of learning support, a dynamic approach that empowers learners with special educational needs to reach their full potential. In today’s inclusive educational landscape, tailored learning support is essential for fostering success and overcoming unique challenges.
It is easy for parents to realize that your child has a learning difficulty and requires learning support. The signs of struggling with homework, poor exam grades, mood swings and even anxiety can be noticed even by the not-so hands-on parents. Usually, its difficult for parents to come to terms with the reality that their child is indeed facing difficulties. Some learners who face mild learning difficulties may well be able to stay within a mainstream school system. Their learning differences are not so great and they only require some learning support – be it a pull out session within the school day or after hours. Nevertheless, learning support is necessary and crucial for them to progress and pass examinations.
Parents frequently confuse learning support with extra tuition. The two diverge greatly from one another. Learning assistance involves techniques and concentrates on educating the student how to handle copious amounts of information. The development of fundamental abilities is what makes a student effective. Conversely, tuition is an extension of the curriculum or a restatement of the lessons learned in school. The instructor merely repeats lessons from the current syllabus in the hopes that this may improve comprehension. The curriculum is the main focus of instruction. On the other hand, learning support concentrates on the learner and their unique capacity to assimilate material from the syllabus.
Regular tutors or tuition teachers lack the resources and skills necessary to serve students with special education needs or who require extra instruction. They are trained to be content experts. A regular tutor or tuition teacher is not able to provide learning support to students who have special educational needs or other learning needs. A tutor or mainstream teacher is trained to provide a certain syllabus material, such as Secondary History or Geography. They are not trained to comprehend the cognitive processes and efficiency of each student as an individual. Learning support teachers are trained to comprehend the cognitive processes involved in learning, as well as to identify problem areas and suggest solutions. We study these at postgraduate level before we are ready to teach in special education and provide learning support.
So, even if your child is in the mainstream, if they have been identified with a learning difficulty, they will have trouble learning at school and will require learning support. I met a real estate agent and a mother of a child with learning difficulties a few weeks ago, who, upon reading my business card, said, “My daughter is dyslexic. But she’s normal now. She only needs tuition in English!” To me, that made absolutely no sense! If you are dyslexic, then you are dyslexic.
You could not have outgrown dyslexia. There are no cures for dyslexia or any other specific learning difficulties. There are cures for broken legs and the flu, but certainly not for learning difficulties. Research has proven that programs that emphasize exercise or training of brain processes, such as BrainGym, Fast ForWord, Melilo method and the Arrowsmith for example, have no basis for improving reading ability or any other academic skills. Learning support is a way of modifying content and delivering it in a way that matches the facet of learning difficulties being faced. It is about teaching in a different way altogether.
And there is nothing abnormal about having dyslexia, dyspraxia, hyperlexia, dyscalculia or dysgraphia that makes parents feel the need to say that their child is normal now! It is important for parents to understand that these are not diseases that can be cured. These learning difficulties are a different way of operating. So someone learns a little differently, so what?? Its like trying to compare a manual transmission car with an automatic one. Which is better? NEITHER!! Each has its own set of merits and limitations, so stop being so judgmental and critical of your children and give them the learning support that they require.
Let’s delve into the five key benefits of learning support, shedding light on its positive impact on learners and the broader educational experience of the learner.
#1 Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs)
Learning support ensures the creation of Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs) that cater to the specific needs and strengths of each learner. These personalized roadmaps empower students by acknowledging their unique learning styles, adapting content delivery, and fostering a conducive environment for academic growth.
#2 Enhanced Self-Esteem and Confidence
One of the primary benefits of learning support is its role in bolstering self-esteem and confidence among learners with special educational needs. Tailored assistance and encouragement help students recognize and celebrate their achievements, contributing to a positive self-image and a resilient mindset. The focus on effort and understanding that learning differently is acceptable and should be something to be proud of.
#3 Inclusive Classroom Dynamics
Learning support fosters inclusive classroom dynamics, creating an environment where all students, regardless of their abilities, feel valued and included. By addressing diverse learning styles, educators cultivate a sense of community that promotes collaboration and understanding among peers. It makes the lives of content expert teachers a lot easier too, and the level of frustration is reduced for both parties.
#4 Improved Academic Performance
Through targeted interventions and support mechanisms, learners with special educational needs experience improved academic performance. Whether through adapted teaching methods, additional resources, or assistive technologies, the tailored support equips students to overcome challenges and succeed academically. Learning will start becoming a welcome part of a student’s life rather than one of dread.
#5 Lifelong Learning Skills
Learning support goes beyond immediate academic goals, instilling essential lifelong learning skills. By teaching problem-solving, time management, and effective communication, learners with special educational needs are equipped with tools that extend far beyond the classroom, preparing them for success in various aspects of life.
Related Article
Special Education Centre for Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Learning Difficulties Assessments & Intervention.
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