How to Support Student Adaptation

When students enter a new learning environment, they must successfully adapt to their new surroundings to effectively learn. For some students, adaptation is as simple as becoming accustom to a new physical environment. For others, such as those with language-learning needs, physical handicaps, or developmental delays, adaptation is a much more complicated process. To ensure that the education you provide to your pupils is optimal, you must help them adapt to the learning setting as quickly as possible.

Instructions

1

Assess student needs, both mental and physical. Use observation and formal assessments such as diagnostic tests to determine what your students may need. Make note of any student that appears to require special adaptation assistance, such as those with physical disabilities or learning difficulties.

2

Select group or individual accommodations to allow for the overcoming of obstacles. Create a plan for helping students overcome their struggles. If the entire class has the same difficulty, create a group accommodation. If individual students need assistance, plan educational modifications specifically for them.

3

Observe the effectiveness of accommodations. If the students appear to be acclimating well, continue with the accommodation. If they continue to struggle, devise a different plan as this struggle indicates that the accommodation is ineffective.

4

Discuss difficulties with students. If you notice a student struggling more than his peers, discuss his difficulties with him candidly. He can likely tell you what he finds difficult, enabling you to better assist him in overcoming these struggles.

5

Make changes to the instructional plan as necessary to support student needs. Revisit your adaptation plan throughout the year, modifying it as necessary. Once students have fully adapted, gradually remove your accommodations and allow students to continue through the year unassisted.