Comments on: Mind over Matter

By: Peggy OConnor

Peggy OConnor — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 12:46:53 +0000

I have been working with students with Learning challenges for 20 years. Two years ago our teachers were trained by All Kinds of Minds and we are using the 8 constructs and neurodevelopmental profile for students in our Tier 2 RTI. Although the shift in thinking was difficult, we have found that students are improving. Our teachers and staff have a common language and lens with which to discuss a child’s challenges and strenths. I read your article regarding different learning modalities and the suggestion to teach to the common/similar ways in which students learn. I agree wholeheartedly. Interestingly, as we delve further into the use of the 8 contstructs, that is exactly what are teachers are doing. Teaching to each child’s individual neurodevelopmental profile would be difficult….but teaching to the common aspects of the profiles is very beneficial.

By: Gina Pera

Gina Pera — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 20:04:07 +0000

A masterpiece. Thank you, Dan Willingham.

By: Marie Dantonio

Marie Dantonio — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 10:30:23 +0000

I agree with Willingham on several issues. I do think the level of parental involvement has an impact on the student who has learning disabilities. The students who are being treated for learning disabilities have a great deal of parental support. The students that I see in my classroom may or may not have the same level of parental support. It does make a difference. When a parent is involved in the student’s education it will certainly benefit the student in the classroom. It will also benefit me because I will be able to use the information provided by the parent to enable me to assist the student. I find it overwhelming when I have 5 students in a classroom who are labeled learning disabled. It is very difficult for one teacher to work with all of those students, especially when there are fifteen other students who are not learning disabled.
I too, think that we need to look at the level of motivation. I believe that student’s who are trying to overcome a learning disabilitiy are more likely to lack motivation. It is often difficult to try to motivate students in high school who are so used to failing.