Strategies for Learning and Teaching

  • Encourage independence.
  • Remove obstacles so that the student can move freely from lesson to lesson.
  • Encourage support for the student from classmates.
  • Consider physical access issues such as ramps, toilets, lifts and classroom layout.
  • Incorporate advice from the occupational therapist in the student’s programme.
  • Use computers and audio-visual aids in the student’s learning and teaching programme.
  • Specialised equipment may also be necessary such as adapted keyboards, page turners, word boards or special desks.
  • If writing is difficult consider using a tape recorder.
  • Encourage communication to prevent isolation.
  • Teach social skills if necessary.
  • Allow students extra time to complete tasks.
  • If teaching Physical Education, note that slower-paced activities are better than those requiring a fast response. Students will do better catching a bounced ball than a thrown one; kicking a stationary ball than a moving one.
  • Students may have a low self-image, therefore it is important to ensure that the student feels included and is encouraged and praised.
  • As students tend to become distracted quite easily minimise distractions in the classroom environment.
  • If students use wheelchairs, where possible place yourself at their eyelevel when talking to them.
  • Table-type desks with adequate leg space will need to be considered if the student has a wheelchair.
  • The board in the classroom may have to be lowered if the student is in a wheelchair.
  • To facilitate students’ reading, use easels, portable reading racks or adjustable desks.