subject: Christine Gillions on Providing for Students with Learning Difficulties in the Mainstream [print this page] Christine Gillions on Providing for Students with Learning Difficulties in the Mainstream
Christine Gillions is a highly qualified and experienced Learning Support and Gifted Education teacher. In a recent presentation to mainstream teachers Christine emphasised the importance of meeting the needs of students with learning difficulties through differentiation in the mainstream. This approach means differentiating the mainstream content, product, process and environment. To assist the mainstream teachers in this essential teaching task Christine Gillions shared the following useful tips:
CONSIDER
Seating arrangements
Background noise
Personal organisation
Prior knowledge and experiences
Degree of pace and depth
Modifying assessment
Alternative forms of assessment
USE
Shorter instructions
Simpler language and constructs
Visuals often
Strengths and interests
Scaffolding
Clear sequence
OFFER and NEGOTIATE
Choices
Options
METHODS OF PRESENTATION
Visuals
Diagrams
Lists
Colours
Fewer words
Size of print/font
Mind maps
Real objects/concrete
Materials
Handouts
Charts
Graphs
Checklists
Symbols
Graphic organisers
HIGHLIGHTING TEXT
Underline/Bold key
Words
Video
Cartoons/pictures
AUDITORY
Audio tapes
Tape recorder
Speak slower
Repetition
Rephrasing
Emphasis key words
KINAESTHETIC
Demonstrations
Physical participation
Building/Constructing
Role play/Drama
Dance/Rhythm
Christine Gillions concluded the presentation by suggesting that the mainstream teachers put this list of recommendation in the front of their planning book, on the notice board in front of their desk, on their laptop screen-saver or even use it as a bookmark, so these handy hints flow naturally and instinctively into the mainstream teachers' regular planning and everyday interactions with their students who have the added challenge of learning difficulties. Christine left the teachers with a quote to reflect on:
