Learning Disabilities and Classroom Management

Learning Disabilities and the Classroom

Laura A. Burns

Grand Canyon University

SPE 359

April 12, 2015

Learning Disabilities and the Classroom

Introduction

Classroom management can be a difficult task. There is much preparation and research that must go into it to ensure that all students are able to benefit from how the classroom is organized, managed and how lessons are implemented. This task can be even more daunting when there are a variety of diverse learners with special learning needs. This essay will be examining, through classroom observation and an interview, the skills that are necessary in organizing and planning strategies for effective classroom management that includes grouping, scheduling, lesson plans, homework strategies, record keeping and the selection of instructional material.

Interview

Organizing and Planning

Organizing and planning strategies are crucial skills that all teachers must be able to do well in order for their students to thrive; especially if there are students who have learning disabilities as this requires more thought out planning and organization. “Classrooms that are well managed, will tend to prompt students to be engaged in the learning process and will provide an environment of freedom to learn that makes children feel safe” (Dibapile, 2012). The teacher that I observed had a small class size of only 9 children. Each student had some type of learning disability that impacted how they were able to behave, perform and absorb information. Because of this, the teacher expressed how difficult classroom management can be. I believe the key to how smooth her classroom ran, was the structure. The classroom rules were posted on the wall right in the front of the classroom so every student could see them. There was not an absurd amount of classroom; there were only a few but they were the most important ones; be respectful, be honest, etc. She also informed me that at the beginning of the year, the...