By Vicky Vincenti – Gill
EDI 600 Psychological Foundation of Education
EDI 600 Psychological Foundation of Education
School of Education
Long Island University, C. W. Post
February 18, 2010
I was so anxious to get home and start writing my class journal as I felt like the child that Rick Lavoie described in his film. Accused of being unfocused, the learning disabled child was just the opposite - focused on everything in front of him with so many thoughts in his head. His film “How Difficult Can This Be” was so informative and I found it very riveting. Although it was a little dated as it was made in 1989, the information still holds true today. I had seen parts of this film years ago and there was one part that always stuck out in my mind. Mr. Lavoie said that you should never insist that a child looks at you when you are speaking as this just creates more anxiety and self consciousness. I have unfortunately done this when reprimanding my children but am always aware of his words when working with special needs children.
I do feel that the special education departments in the public schools systems today have made great advances in educating and addressing the needs of this population. Huge portions of schools budgets are designated for therapists, counselors, psychologists, special education teachers, aides, teacher assistants, special equipment and accommodations. Special education students are included in regular school classrooms making for a compassionate student population.
One concept which I found myself in total agreement with Mr. Lavoie was concerning cognitive learning. I have always recognized that some students struggle with taking notes and listening at the same time. They find it impossible as they can only accomplish one thing at a time. I have a son who was tested years ago for learning disabilities to which results showed none. He struggles with his school work and always complained that it was difficult to take notes while trying to listen. Luckily, I was able to convince his school to allow him to request a copy of the class notes from his teachers if needed. This has helped him so much.
I have observed many special education teachers giving their students modified class notes at the end of the class. They will also pause during their instruction for students to write simple notes from the board, not talking but waiting while they finish writing. The teachers felt that it was important that they keep up their writing skills and learn to take notes, even if they are basic and barely legible. It worked well but slowed the lesson down considerably but at a pace that was advantageous to them.
I searched on the internet for information on Rick Lavoie and found his informative web site. He is giving a lecture on the 28th of April in East Meadow, Nassau County and I might consider going to hear him speak. Thanks for a great class.
Long Island University, C. W. Post
February 18, 2010
I was so anxious to get home and start writing my class journal as I felt like the child that Rick Lavoie described in his film. Accused of being unfocused, the learning disabled child was just the opposite - focused on everything in front of him with so many thoughts in his head. His film “How Difficult Can This Be” was so informative and I found it very riveting. Although it was a little dated as it was made in 1989, the information still holds true today. I had seen parts of this film years ago and there was one part that always stuck out in my mind. Mr. Lavoie said that you should never insist that a child looks at you when you are speaking as this just creates more anxiety and self consciousness. I have unfortunately done this when reprimanding my children but am always aware of his words when working with special needs children.
I do feel that the special education departments in the public schools systems today have made great advances in educating and addressing the needs of this population. Huge portions of schools budgets are designated for therapists, counselors, psychologists, special education teachers, aides, teacher assistants, special equipment and accommodations. Special education students are included in regular school classrooms making for a compassionate student population.
One concept which I found myself in total agreement with Mr. Lavoie was concerning cognitive learning. I have always recognized that some students struggle with taking notes and listening at the same time. They find it impossible as they can only accomplish one thing at a time. I have a son who was tested years ago for learning disabilities to which results showed none. He struggles with his school work and always complained that it was difficult to take notes while trying to listen. Luckily, I was able to convince his school to allow him to request a copy of the class notes from his teachers if needed. This has helped him so much.
I have observed many special education teachers giving their students modified class notes at the end of the class. They will also pause during their instruction for students to write simple notes from the board, not talking but waiting while they finish writing. The teachers felt that it was important that they keep up their writing skills and learn to take notes, even if they are basic and barely legible. It worked well but slowed the lesson down considerably but at a pace that was advantageous to them.
I searched on the internet for information on Rick Lavoie and found his informative web site. He is giving a lecture on the 28th of April in East Meadow, Nassau County and I might consider going to hear him speak. Thanks for a great class.
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