OUR DIVERSE STUDENTS Nancy Murray, Ed. D Lynn DAgostino, MA - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Nancy Murray, Ed. D Lynn D’Agostino, MA

OUR DIVERSE STUDENTS

STUDENTS WITH AN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Nancy L. Murray

Aspects of Autism Spectrum Disorders ASD

Executive Functioning Social Skills/Thinking Communication Attention Obsessive Compulsive Behaviors Sensory Processing Theory of Mind

Activity-Ready!!!

• How would this impact student learning?
• Attention/attending to the speaker (joint

attention)

• Anxiety
• Organization of information and materials
• Processing information

One Common Concern:

• Speaking out and/or continually speaking during the

class.

• Meet with the student and indicate that you enjoy their

participation and enthusiasm for the class, however, sometimes this minimizes opportunities for other students to share information or for you to cover the content you need to cover.

• Agree upon a signal that can let the student know to hold

their comment or question for a later time. If they need, they can write their comment/question down and you can touch base with them after class.

• Make sure that the signal is discreet and does not embarrass the student.

What are a few things we can do?

• WRITE A SCHEDULE ON THE BOARD DEPCITING THE CONTENT

BEING COVERED FOR THE CLASS.

• The lighting in the room- natural light is the best
• Provide visual supports whenever possible to accompany content

being taught.

• Provide a brief visual of the directions/steps (write on board) for

group/individual work during the class.

• Allow students to stand during your class as long as they are

attending (if you are comfortable with this).

• Fidgets!

• As Lynn shares information with you

about Cultural Competence, we ask that you keep in mind individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder as well. Their ability to understand and accurately perceive non-verbal cues is

• ften an area of weakness.
• This ability greatly impact learning.

CULTURAL COMPETENCE IN THE CLASSROOM

Lynn D’Agostino TESEL Project Director

20 Questions

• Form partners with someone next to you.
• One person is A, the other is B.
• Person A – ask B as many yes or no

questions as you can in 1 minute. Person B can only say yes or no.

20 Questions

• Person B – ask A as many yes or no

questions as you can in 1 minute.

• Person A can only say yes or no. But, you

need to move your head in the opposite

• direction. (nod for no, shake for yes)

20 Questions - debrief

• What happened?
• What did you notice about the second round?
• How did you feel about using a different non-

verbal method to mean yes or no? How did you feel about seeing this nonverbal communication?

• What happens when nonverbal communication

contradicts verbal communication?

What is culture?

• a web of meaning shared by members of a

particular society or group.

• a shared system of beliefs, values, customs,

behaviors, and artifacts that group members use to cope with their world and one another.

What is Culture?

Surface Culture

• Music, visual and performing

arts, drama

• Holiday celebrations and folklore
• Food/drink
• Traditional dress
• Historical contributions
• Outward displays of behavior

and identity

Deep Culture

• Thoughts, beliefs, superstitions, religion
• Concerns, hopes, fears, worries, ethics, and

how you organize your thinking and world

• Symbolic and intangible aspects of identity
• Subtle interpersonal relationships as

expressed in actions and words

• Day-by-day details of life as it is lived

Cross cultural understanding

Time Management When do you show up for a party: on time? 10 minute late? 2 hours late? 5 minutes early? How about a business meeting?

Attitude towards punctuality

U.S Culture Most Other Cultures

ON THE CLOCK: Views Of Time

Living by a linear clock means:

• Time is limited and must

be used carefully and efficiently.

• Sticking to schedules,

plans and meeting deadlines are highly valued.

• Punctuality takes

precedence over personal needs.

For those who live by a cyclical clock:

• Time is unlimited; there is

always more of it, there’s always tomorrow.

• Deadlines, plans, and

schedules are considered flexible.

• Personal needs and

relationships tend to take precedence over punctuality.

Communication Do you usually get directly to the point? Beat around the bush? Somewhere in between? Why?

Problem solving approach

U.S Culture Most Other Cultures

SAY WHAT? Verbal Communications

Direct Communication

• Say what you mean—very

little need for reading into things.

• The idea of saving face is not
• f major consequence in

most situations.

• Silence in conversations is

viewed as uncomfortable. Interruptions are common.

Indirect Communication

• Imply what you mean.

Reading into things is the definitive way of communicating.

• Saving face and

maintaining harmony is paramount.

• Silence in conversations is

expected and appreciated. It is usually associated in a positive sense. Interruptions are to be avoided.

Writing

Straight to the point; concise; theme expressed Detours are expected to maintain interest and politeness Going in circles to avoid being perceived as overly assertive or causing loss of face