subject: Tips and Techniques on Transforming a Typical Classroom into a Learning Machine [print this page] Tips and Techniques on Transforming a Typical Classroom into a Learning Machine
How special education works depends on certain components that make up these special ed schools. Not only should educators must focus on the personnel and programs to be implemented under the special education system. They should also give much importance and attention on how a classroom must be staged that will be advantageous on the students' academic learning experiences. To do this, educators must be able to know all the elements that compose a single classroom and must have strategies to work them together in an advantageous way. These elements can be from desks and chairs to the decorations on the wall.
A regular class is different from that of a special one. Thus, teachers in special ed schools must be able to arrange their classrooms that can provide an inspirational environment and can greatly encourage the students to do better with their studies. The following will serve as a sneak peek on how to do things with regards to rearranging the classroom into something that can greatly improve a student's attitude towards his studies:
Main components of a classroom:
Each classroom must have a study area placed at the center. This is to refrain from having the students distracted on a lot of things.
Teachers in special ed schools must also be picky and wise when it comes to decorations. They must only use those that provide the least of distractions on their students.
Constant abundance of school supplies such as notebooks, pencils, and papers is also a must inside special education classrooms.
Student desks must always be clean and clear from anything that can cause distractions.
Time Management favorable to the disabilities
Learning impaired students especially those diagnosed with ADHD tend to get bored so easily. In order to effectively conduct discussions but still manage to retain the students' attention, it would be wise to give frequent breaks.
Giving shorter number of items on quizzes and exams but with the same level of content and difficulty helps students absorb the lessons and find the solutions without having any sort of confusion.
Providing extensions in completing their homework is also recommended.
If instructions are to be given orally, it would be better to repeat these instructions several times over until all of the students gain complete comprehension.
Proper way in giving assignments and discussions. . .
Assignments are better off broken down into several segments instead of giving the students longer ones.
Strict implementations on parent signature requirement should be observed. This will help assure that every assignment is supervised by parents.
Instead of just giving plain answers every after homework, it would be best to discuss the whole set of solutions in order for the students to learn each step of problem solving process.
Complex concepts and principles should be discussed on a slower yet clearer pace.
Before each discussion is started, teachers should first make sure that all ears are listening and focusing on the person speaking at the front.
Not all special ed schools are the same. Each school may have its own design and guideline with regards to their classroom arrangements. Although each type of arrangement may vary from specific type of program to another, it is still best to have the sufficient knowledge of the matter.
