Who are Alternative Learners?
Alternative Learners
Learning disabilities. Learning differences. Neurodiverse. Unique thinker. ADHD. Outside of the box thinker. Procrastinator. Spectrum. Executive function deficits.
These are just a few of the terms I have heard to describe students who struggle in school or who may be served in special education in school or who may have social challenges or who may have a mental illness. I recently listened to a conference to learn more about executive function and how to help my student with his/her executive function skills. Dr. Sharon Saline, one of the presenters, offered a different title, ‘alternative learners’. I think this more accurately describes this unique population of students with whom I work in my consulting business.
Executive function skills are the skills generally ‘housed’ in the frontal cortex, this is the area of the brain that can help or hinder with attention, focus, organization, impulsivity, among other issues. Students who have difficulty in this area can be very bright yet struggle to complete simple tasks.
Alternative learners as clients.
Sometimes it is a challenge to discover how to help our students find the right path. I meet students where they are and walk alongside them on the journey toward post-secondary options. Generally, my services are much the same for all students but I have additional training to help guide our students who are 'alternative learners'.