I am returning to school and I got a test done which shows no learning issues and I disagree with the test results and the University refuses to do any more testing. A learning history of struggles is in my son and daughter and myself we all have failed a grade and have struggled. I see a specialist in Sudbury Dr. Marr and he mentioned the university has to answer for itself. Any ideas?
Re: education supports
Author: Liz aka Organized Chaos
I wrote this reply to Tammy who had a question similar to yours Sandy:
Date: 04-27-03 21:59
Tammy,
I agree with what Linda Amabile recommended…check out your college’s Study Skills Center or some similar name. 12 years ago I went back to college for the 4th time, to study something I felt really passionate about, but my grades didn’t match my enthusiasm for the subject matter.
My instructor directed me to the school’s Study Skills Center, where I could sign up for 1-3 FREE credits, depending on how much work I wanted to do. They tested me for my “Learning Style”, which is the way that I learn best. Do you know what your preferred learning style is? Here’s a website where you can take a quick test which will evaluate your preferred LS and give you suggestions for studying.
http://www.metamath.com//multiple/multiple_choice_questions.cgi
After determining that I was a visual/kinesthetic (hands on) learner, they taught me some skills that would help me study: note taking, how to read textbooks (SQ4R or PQ4R….did you know that you don’t actually have to read EVERY SINGLE WORD in a textbook when studying??). One of my classes was once a week for 3 hours. It required me to remember a long list of characteristics for 10 new plants a week (Plant I.D.).
I learned that it takes a week or so for information to shuttle from short term memory (when you get it in class) to long term memory (where it is retained to pull it out of your brain for quiz time). So I devised a method for studying when memorization was required. It required taking notes in class, re-writing them that night, picking up the plant samples and looking at their details, writing the latin name 10 times, etc.
Plan to keep your textbooks because they are the TOOLS of your trade (as a student) and you will learn how to write effective notes in the margins and highlighting techniques (no your pages won’t be solid yellow!).
Bottom line, I made the honor roll every term after that (yes I’m proud of my accomplishments!) and graduated with an AAS in Horticulture. I’m back in school again to complete my Bachelor’s degree, and I hope my MAT in Special Ed after that.
Please feel free to e-mail me off list if anything I wrote strikes a chord. I really believe that because we aren’t taught what our preferred learning style is in middle or high school, many students fail, don’t know why and give up because they think they are just stupid. WRONG, WRONG, WRONG!!
Liz
I am no expert but I do know that under the 504 Act which is a list of laws that protect people with disabilities that they can not deny further testing. If your children are young and in public school it is the districts job to test the children per your request. As for yourself, I know that there are places and people who do the testing on a private basis. It can be kinda spendy though. You may even want to try the local community college and see if they can help you. Just some ideas to look into more. Hope these help.
Amy