Learning Differences and Academic Mentoring
- What Is Meant by Learning Differences?
- Commonly Diagnosed Learning Differences
- How Schools Fall Short
- The Role of an Academic Mentor
- How Academic Mentorship Benefits Students with Learning Differences
- Teaching Strategies for Students with Learning Differences
- BartyED and Support for Learning Differences
What Is Meant by Learning Differences?
Learning differences refer to the unique ways in which individuals process new information and learn new things. Learning differences can express themselves as difficulties with organisation, memory, or attention. Of course, we all may have issues with organisation and focus from time to time. However, students with learning differences will struggle with these difficulties throughout their educational career and beyond into their later life. Consequently, it is important for those supporting young people with learning differences to be cognizant of the fact that these challenges are likely to be lifelong.
Commonly Diagnosed Learning Differences
While the roster of learning differences is ever-expanding, there are a number of more commonly diagnosed learning differences among students. Dyslexia, typically related to difficulties with language processing, and dysgraphia, challenges with writing, are two of the most common learning differences. In Hong Kong, between 9% and 12% of students are diagnosed with learning differences related to language process. Another regularly diagnosed learning difference is ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Students with ADHD make up between 5% and 9% of the student population in Hong Kong. It should also be noted that, while boys may be diagnosed at a higher frequency than girls, this does not mean that learning differences in the female population are less common. Rather, it appears that, as a result of issues like gender bias, girls are often overlooked when it comes to diagnoses.
How Schools Fall Short
The sad reality is that schools often fall short when it comes to supporting students with learning differences. Many schools lack the infrastructure, resources, and understanding to provide the necessary support for students with learning differences. Moreover, the wide variety of needs expressed by those with learning differences makes it difficult for class teachers to give the necessary attention to those who need it. The unfortunate outcome is that students with learning differences either slip through the cracks, not reaching their full potential, or, in some instances, are ostracised from their class groups because their behaviour is considered too disruptive for others.
The Role of an Academic Mentor
Academic mentors have existed, in some form or another, since Antiquity. The fact that such a role has maintained its position throughout diverse societies is a testament to the positive influence that academic mentors can have in the lives of students. The work of an academic mentor differs from that of a traditional school teacher in that academic mentors have the ability to focus on the educational needs of one student, unburdened by the needs of an entire class. Academic mentors are able to tailor learning to the individual, offering a bespoke education with the express aim of refining a student’s strengths and bolstering their weaknesses.
How Academic Mentorship Benefits Students with Learning Differences
Considering the role of the academic mentor, it is no surprise that they can serve students with learning differences. Indeed, academic mentors are able to offer the kind of attention that those with learning differences so lack in traditional school environments. Academic mentors, due to the nature of the one-on-one teaching they supply, can support the unique needs of each of their students and adapt learning materials to be more relevant and stimulating for the individual. Therefore, students who typically struggle with schooling can have all areas of their educational needs met, from homework support, to developing proper exam technique and organisational skills.
Teaching Strategies for Students with Learning Differences
While all students are unique, there are a number of teaching strategies that are broadly applicable to those with learning differences. For example, some students with learning differences thrive when given a structure and clear instruction, so it can be useful to begin each session by presenting to them a lesson plan with times allocated to each task. For students who may struggle with attention, it can be beneficial to tailor learning material so that it relates to a special interest of theirs. By doing so, engagement should be increased. Additionally, making sure to schedule regular learning breaks can be an effective way to maintain student attention throughout a lesson. Most importantly, each student must be approached with understanding, patience, and empathy.
BartyED and Support for Learning Differences
Since its founding, BartyED has worked to uplift students with learning differences. Our experienced tutors and academic mentors develop individualised lesson plans to suit the needs of each student to ensure that they unlock their academic potential. We work closely with students to discover what inspires them and use that to spur on their learning and increase task engagement. Not only that, BartyED’s academic mentors offer the tools for learners to take home so that they can approach in-school activities with a greater sense of confidence.
If you think that you or your child could benefit from the support of a BartyED tutor, contact us today via our Contact page, email address (enquiries@bartyed.com), or telephone number (+852 2882 1017).
Frequently Asked Questions
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The term learning difference refers to the unique ways in which individuals process new information and learn new things.
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Learning differences are not any more common in boys than in girls. The issue is that boys are, typically, diagnosed at a higher rate.
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The literature is constantly being updated, making this question difficult to answer, but some of the more common diagnoses are ADHD, dyslexia, and dysgraphia.
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An academic mentor can support a student in their academic and personal growth, helping to consolidate knowledge and build confidence in themselves.