Introduction
Hello! In this Professional Development WebQuest you will hone your ability to perceive when a student is struggling with an exceptionality and which exceptionality they are struggling with, and perfect your skills needed to help the student, within the three exceptionalities we will be covering. See the “Task” section for further details.
Task
To complete this WebQuest you are required to review all of the information we provide to you through the links and use what you learned to complete the evaluation section. In the evaluation section you will be given a scenario you must analyze and resolve.
Process
ADHD/ADD:
Attention Deficit (Hyperactive) Disorder is a common exceptionality that inhibits a person's ability to concentrate. In the classroom this can cause frustration for both the teacher and the student, as well as the student's peers. It may look like the affected student is spacing out or simply not paying attention. People living with ADHD/ADD may also struggle with impulse and emotion control. Many students go undiagnosed due to a severe lack of support in the school system, which often leads to more obstacles down the road.
Overview, Signs and Symptoms andTreatment: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd
Available Assistive Technology: https://disabilitycreditcanada.com/10-best-assistive-technologies-add-adhd/
Classroom Strategies for students with ADHD/ADD: https://www.google.ca/amp/s/www.additudemag.com/teaching-strategies-for-students-with-adhd/amp/
Dyslexia
What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a learning disorder that involves difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words (decoding). Also called reading disability, dyslexia effects areas of the brain that process language. Take a look at the following links to learn more:
Links:
https://www.healthline.com/health/dyslexia-symptoms-by-age
Tools and assistive tech to help Dyslexic students
In todays world there are a plethora of helpful tools, programs and strategies teachers and parents can access to support a dyslexic child (even adults) with their exceptionalities. These tools come in a variety of price points, strategies as well as strategies of helping individual with dyslexia. Take a look at the following links to learn more:
Links:
Https://youtu.be/iLrz6RzXhXl
Helpful teaching methods for teachers with dyslexic students
With the growth of new technology that can help students who struggle with dyslexia within the classroom, new teaching methods, tips and trick have also developed. Take a look at the following links to learn more:
Links
https://www.idaontario.com/effective-reading-instruction/
Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a life-long spectrum neurological disorder. This means there are varying levels of challenges that a person with ASD may experience. Due to ASD being a neurological disorder, ASD does not look like one thing. Consequently, many people are incorrectly thought to be living with ASD or vice versa. It is important to remember that not every person with ASD is the same. Here are some helpful links to learn more about ASD.
This video serves as a solid introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder:
Overview: https://www.autismspeaks.ca/about-autism/
Assistive Technology: https://www.verywellhealth.com/assistive-technology-for-autism-5076159
Teaching Strategies: https://www.autism.nf.net/service-provider/resources-for-educators/strategies-for-classroom-management/
Evaluation
Read the following scenario. Decided which exceptionality the student has out of the three exceptionalities we covered in this WebQuest. Then, explain your reasoning and describe what tools and strategies you would use to help the student.
Scenario:
Jake has always been told he is very smart, nd that he only needs to apply himself. Jake has trouble remaining focused in the classroom but will fixate on certain topics. You have trouble getting through to him with simple reminders to focus but you know he likes working with his hands. The student that sits beside Jake is always participating in class and she is very bright. You notice that when Jake does participate and answers a question correctly he is very happy. However, Jake becomes easily frustrated when he gets the answer wrong.
What condition does Jake have? Explain your thought process.
What can you, his teacher, do to help him? Think of strategies and tools we learnt about in this WebQuest.
Conclusion
Now that you have equipped yourself to recognize some exceptionalities, you are now ready to continue learning. Undoubtedly, you will encounter students of all kinds in your classroom. The objective of this webquest and PD day was not to make you experts in diagnosing exceptionalities, but to prepare you to recognize differences in students behaviour and learning styles. To keep an open mind. Additionally, you may have some ideas about how to accommodate students with exceptionalities or where to find effective strategies.
Teacher Page
EVALUATION ANSWER:
Jake has ADHD/ADD.
All tools and strategies seen in this WebQuest are suitable answers for this exercise.