Learning needs support at the tertiary institutions

[schweppes]

This is ported from the \"employment rates\" thread.

slmkhoo:

schweppes:

[quote=\"slmkhoo\"]Also, although this is OT - which poly is most accommodating to those with learning disabilities (not physical disabilities)? Or any experience (good or bad) with a particular poly/course?

The polys do offer special needs support. A quick google search on \"special needs support in polys\" will lead you to the respective poly's site.

In general, most poly lecturers are fairly understanding. There are also student counsellors on campus but they tend to handle more BGR, family, relationship issues than sped or acad issues per se.
...

Thanks. The 2 egs you give are with physical disabilities. While these people have a tough time, it is \"easier\" in a way because their need for assistance is obvious. Learning disabilities are \"hidden\" and often attract less understanding. And people will forget to make allowances after a while because the disabilities are not visible. Do you know of any encouraging cases of people with \"invisible\" learning disabilities and the help they might get?[/quote]

[schweppes]

Usually at this stage and age, not many parents and students want to disclose that the student has a learning difficulty or requires special needs support. Still, even though there is no formal declaration, lecturers can spot if a student has difficulty getting along with peers and will try and help as much as they can.


However, if the student does not want to be helped by others nor want to help themselves, then, there’s nothing much the lecturer can do. Sometimes, students are weak in certain areas or lack the aptitude in the selected field of study. The student must also want to improve, because if he doesn’t help himself, then, very difficult for others to help him

Very important that the student choose something that he is interested in and passionate about. Choose a course that plays to the student’s strengths. Can’t emphasize this enough.

Personally, I find that at the polys, the students (even the weakest ones) get a 2nd chance.

[schweppes]

Some encouraging cases:


1) Dyslexic student (i think she studied mass comm in NP) went on to graduate with a business degree at NUS. She took on internships and part-time jobs that value-add to her learning and education, even though those companies paid peanuts. But she found her work very rewarding. She said poly gave her a voice to express herself and that helped her in NUS.

2) Life sciences student went on to get a scholarship to study in OZ and now working for a govt agency in Sg. Think it was an ASD student (not formally declared but the traits are there).

3) ASD student studied in JC here, now studying science in Imperial College of London

4) ASD student studying for a Science degree in RMIT

5) ASD student currently studying pharmacy in the poly

6) Student suffering from a brittle bones syndrome (sorry, can’t recall the actual diagnosis label) and now studying in Lasalle College of the Arts

7) Dyslexic student studying ballet in NAFA

Edit to add: There are more encouraging cases but these are the ones I am aware of personally.

[schweppes]

slmkhoo:

Do you know ..... the help they might get?

To get proper help, it would be useful if there is an official letter from an educational psychologist or OT. It gives a more credible declaration rather than just verbally informing the school.

Some examples where help is rendered:

- can come in terms of lecturers being more understanding and sympathetic; sometimes extra coaching even (if time permits)

- asking for extra time during exams or when submitting project work (on case-by-case basis). That's why need an official letter, otherwise all students wd want extra time for project submission.

[ImMeeMee]

Thanks for starting this thread Schweppes. Not sure when and how we can get there, but following.

[schweppes]

ImMeeMee:

Not sure when and how we can get there, but following.

Take one test, one exam at a time :nunchuk:

Manage one's expectations

Nurture the child's strengths and interests :hi5:

Continue to encourage :snuggles:

Celebrate the little victories :rahrah:

Above all...
Believe.

[sharonkhoo]

Saw this in the ST this morning:

http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/e ... s-students

[CatMoon]

slmkhoo:

Saw this in the ST this morning:

http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/e ... s-students

Thanks! Very encouraging!

Last week, I received an MOE letter from my girl's allied teacher about \"Special Educational Needs Support in Poly and ITE\". It came with a consent form to \"opt out of transition support\".

What does it mean?

[sharonkhoo]

Is your child getting some kind of support now? It’s probably asking whether you want it continued? My daughter doesn’t get any official support to I haven’t been asked such a question.