Learning Strategies
for
Learning Differences

Presented

By

Ashley L. Tremblay

AT-LD Services, Inc.

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Learning Strategies

Definition:

Learning strategies are tools and techniques we use to help ourselves understand and learn new material or skills, integrate this new information with what we already know in a way that makes sense; and recall the information or skill later, even in a difference situation or place.

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Why We Use Strategies

Research shows, students who learn strategies are actively engaged in the learning process and therefore are understanding, processing, and generalizing skills being taught.

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Features of Good Learning Strategies

Strategies that are both effective and efficient have come characteristics in these categories:

1. 1. Content Features:

The steps and what they are designed to facilitate during the learning process.

2. Design Features:

How the steps are packaged to facilitate learning and subsequent use of the strategy.

1. 3. Usefulness Features:

The potential transferability of the strategy to everyday needs in a variety of settings.

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Learning Process

Learning may be made more difficult by any number of factors, including:

• • inadequate prior knowledge

  • poor study skills

  • problems with maintaining attention

  • cultural or language differences

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Types of Learning Strategies

• No-Tech / Simple Strategies: that do not involve the use of technology.

• Low-Tech Strategies: Use of battery operated technology

• High-Tech Strategies: Use of a computer or software program to assist in learning

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No-Tech / Simple Strategies

• Note cards:

  • Vocabulary,

  • Steps of a process,

  • Images,

  • Sections of learned material (Social Studies Chapter)

• Graphic Organizer:

  • Sequencing,

  • Cyclic information,

  • Linear information,

  • Categorizing

• Writing Materials:

  • Colored pens,

  • Colored highlighters

  • Colored chalk/white board markers/overhead markers

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• Paper:

  • Turn notebook paper sideways for lining up numbers in math

  • Use graph paper for math, charts, etc.

  • Colored paper for making copies (Black on white is most difficult contrast to see)

  • Bright colored notebook paper (now available)

  • Law Paper – great for note taking

• Outlining

• Questioning:

  • Clarify from teacher or peers

• Self-Talk:

  • Rehearse in front of a mirror,

  • Teach something in your room

  • Talking through steps or procedures

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Low-Tech Strategies

• Tape Recorder:

  • Vocabulary, Math Facts, Spelling words (Memorization)

  • Steps of a process

  • Reading Comprehension, Review

  • Self-Talk, Self-Teach

• CD/Tape Player:

  • Books on Tape, Text books on tape

  • Classical Music (studying)

• Word Processor:

  • AlphaSmart (Keyboard size Word Processor)

  • Typing notes, outlines, making charts

  • Study guides

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• Excel:

  • Study with immediate feedback

  • Study with use of comments

• PowerPoint:

  • Note Cards

  • Outlining

• Digital Camera:

  • Vocabulary

  • Real World Application

  • Visual Memory (Science lab, demonstration, field trip)

• Digital Recorder:

  • Record assignments

  • Memory assistant

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High-Tech Strategies

• Computer:

  • Internet

  • Use for Software

• Software:

  • Premier Assistive Technology: Universal Reader, EText Reader, PDF Equalizer

  • Inspiration

  • Speech Recognition

  • Word Prediction

  • Google Calendar

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Classroom Strategies

• Helping yourself Attend

  • • Drink water!

    • Eat chewy snacks if allowed

    • Place seat cushion in chair

    • Hand toys

• Modifying the Environment

  • • Use study carrels

    • A visual space free of distractions

    • Preferential seating

    • Use of checklists

    • Use an assignment book

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Strategies for Specific Learning Styles

• Visual/Verbal Learning Style:

  • Color Coding

  • Use of highlighters and different colored pens

  • Write out sentences and phrases that summarize key information

  • Make flashcards of vocabulary words and concepts, use highlighters for key points

  • Write out explanations for diagrams and illustrations

  • For mathematical information, write out sentences and key phrases, write out details of how to do each step in a sequence of steps

  • Make use of computer word processing

  • Make “Stick-it” notes containing key words and concepts and place them in highly visible places

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• Visual/Nonverbal Learning Style:

  • Make flashcards of key information that needs to be memorized. Draw symbols and pictures on the cards; use highlighters for key words and pictures

  • Color code information

  • Write in margins of text, use key words, symbols, and diagrams

  • Mathematics: make charts, draw a series of boxes for sequencing steps

  • Use large square graph paper

  • Use the computer for organizing materials that need to be memorized. Use word processing, create tables and charts with graphics. Use spreadsheets and databases to organize material

  • Translate words and ideas into symbols, pictures, and diagrams.

  • Use of cartoons and posters to remember learned material

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• Tactile/Kinesthetic Learning Style:

  • Jot down key words and draw pictures or make charts

  • While studying, walk back and forth with textbook, notes, or flash cards and read the information out loud

  • Use flash cards to sequence steps for math, highlight key points in contrasting color

  • Use chalkboard, white board, or other large writing surface

  • Use computer to reinforce learning through the sense of touch

  • Listen to audio tapes while exercising

  • Say vocabulary while jumping rope, on rebounder, or with paddle and ball

  • Study with play-dough or clay in hands

  • Chew on something while studying

  • Make models

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• Auditory / Verbal Learning Style:

  • Work with a “study buddy”, join a study group

  • Talk out loud to aid recall when studying

  • Teach out loud to an object in the room

  • Use tape recorder for reading notes, vocabulary, textbook information, etc. Review tapes for studying

  • Use self-talk, talk your way through a math problem.

  • Interview, debate information that is being learned

  • Give oral reports

  • Participate in oral discussions of written material

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Time Management Tips

• "To Do" list
  Write down things you have to do, then decide what to do at the moment, what to schedule for later, what to get someone else to do, and what to put off for a later time period

• Daily/weekly planner
  Write down appointments, classes, and meetings on a chronological log book or chart.
  If you are more visual, sketch out your schedule
  First thing in the morning, check what's ahead for the day
  always go to sleep knowing you're prepared for tomorrow

• Long term planner
  Use a monthly chart so that you can plan ahead.
  Long term planners will also serve as a reminder to constructively plan time for yourself

• Put reminders on Post-it Notes

• Have set blocks of study time each day

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A Shift in Responsibility

• You are in charge of yourself!

• Know your accommodations!

• Get to know your Disability Service Provider (DSP)!

• Know and Use the Disability Service resources!

• You are your best advocate!

• You will be successful!

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Questions / Notes