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[F512]For Students With Learning Disabilities

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Although there are various schools of thought on this issue, as well as whole schools devoted to working with students based on a physiologically or emotionally based diagnosis, it is often best to deal with students in a multisensory environment.

Multisensory learning enables students of diverse strengths and weaknesses to experience a powerful tool. Traditional classroom learning requires that students be quiet and not move while learning large bodies of patterns such as multiplication tables. Children learn geometric shapes and conceptual patterns and spatial relationships almost entirely without movement. Using manipulative tools is not uniform and it is often limited to non-instructional time.

Although much time and money has been spent researching learning disabilities in the area of language, little conclusive research is available in the area of general math skills. Math tests require a variety of conceptual and cognitive skills and no single test can pinpoint a deficit which can be alleviated through a specific intervention or technique.

Often, using diagnoses to approach working with a person who has difficulty in math is counterproductive. Mathematics is a rubric which covers many diverse skills and abilities, form language to organization to sequencing to classification and beyond. Some students hope that when they divulge their diagnosis, a math teacher or math tutor will know exactly how to help them. However, even with established research in other areas of diagnosed disabilities there is much which can only be learned in the practical here-and-now of working with the individual student.

The vast majority of students with learning problems are those who find it hard to remember patterns. This impedes their ability to learn the algorithms of multiplication and division. These students often find it hard to recall multiplication tables. Some of them are so motivated that they devise their own methods of remembering these factoids and patterns.

There is help for many students with difficulties in math - also called "dyscalculia," a vague but clinical-sounding name for difficulties in the general area of mathematical skills. It's important to keep in mind that diagnosis implies a scientific approach to problems. It often is not. Sometimes the solution lies in rolling up one's sleeves and doing what intuitively feels right.

Normally, students with learning disabilities receive extra attention in school. However, there are times when that student might need a tutor to help with specific weaknesses. If your child has a learning disability and you think he may need a tutor, here are some characteristics in the tutor that you should look for – as well as other ideas to consider.

Special Training

Whether you're looking for a tutor to work with your child in person or over the Internet, there is a certain level of training that the tutor should have in order to be properly qualified to help your child. For instance, the tutor should understand and be able to apply certain multisensory techniques. To make sure the tutor is able to properly tutor your child, it's a good idea to ask about training, references, and experience level.

Constant Repetition

A student who has a learning disability often requires more repetition than other students. So after you find a tutor who you feel will work best with your child, it's good to schedule at least two sessions per week to help reinforce ideas and sink in the message the tutor wants to get across.

Choose a “Fresh” Time of the Day for Tutoring

A student who has a learning disability not only can benefit from repetition when working with a tutor, but also choosing and sticking with a time that represents “freshness” and a readiness to learn. For many students, this means getting started before school starts. However, it's best to consult with your child and monitor his response to determine the best time to stick with permanently.

Try Online Tutoring for Reinforcement

If you've decided to work with an in-town tutoring service, or personal tutor who comes to your home, it's a good idea to reinforce their work with that of online tutoring services. Many services that you find online are highly qualified to work with all types of students and can help you to solidify ideas that your regular tutor has already taught.

Keep Your Child in the Loop

With your child having a learning disability, insecurities may not be far away. So to make sure your child does not feel insecure or inadequate by needing the added help of a tutor, it's good to explain along the way why the tutor is coming in to help. It's also good to let your child know that tons of other children – even at his school – get help from tutors on a regular basis. Your goal in keeping your child in the loop is to focus on the work at hand, rather than any inadequacies he may be feeling.

Your child's having a learning disability is not the end of the world; it's actually the beginning of a time that you and he can get closer as you discover the innate intelligence he was born with. As you bring a tutor into the loop, things can only get better. So make sure your child understands all of this – with love.

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Heather Eagar has sinced written about articles on various topics from Cover Letter, Interview Questions and Careers and Job Hunting. TutorsAnywhere.com is a complete online resource that compares tutoring services and products offered by top online companies. If your child is in need of an