Christie Withrow

July 16, 2009

Slm521-Instructional Modifications-Elective #9

Instructional Modifications

This is a list of strategies that will help AD/HD and hearing impaired students. Computers and the web are a new format, but students can truly succeed with a few modifications. Teachers need to keep in mind that their students will come up with a right answer; it just might come in a different format than inside a classroom.

Students with AD/HD

1. Highlight key words in text.

2. Use more pictures and fewer words.

3. Add a timer on activities or clearly state due dates.

4. Allow student to turn in activity by email.

5. Provide clearly written directions. Then directly under, ask simple questions about the directions to test student’s comprehension. Computer won’t let student go on until they get questions about the directions right.

6. Since writing can be difficult for these students, allow them to record answers in audio/video format and post to website.

7. Give examples using concrete objects before you ask for an abstract answer.

8. Break up large assignments into sections and have them turn in section by section.

9. Allow student to wear ear plugs or ear phones to keep away outside noises. Also, sunglasses for bright lights or adjust the computer screen.

10. Add visual (such as a thermometer) that shows progress of student’s work. This provides encouragement.

Students with hearing loss

1. Use flashing or moving visuals for important information.

2. Allow extra time for completion.

3. Use color!

4. Post videos with closed captioning. Or post videos of someone using sign language.

5. Give constant feedback.

6. Get a computer with a special vibration feature (for example, mouse vibrates with incorrect answer).

7. Allow students to use clip art and pictures in their answers. This shows their creativity and keeps them engaged.

8. Speech can be delayed due to hearing loss. Have students use communication boards (symbols and pictures) to put together sentences in word document.

9. Post directions in big font. Give details, but don’t squish words together. This will discourage student from wanting to read text.

10. Peer tutoring/ pair with a partner to spilt work in half.