Unique Learning Challenges of Neurodivergent Brains
Jan 11, 2024
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Discover the challenges faced by neurodivergent learners and explore innovative study strategies with expert Gretchen Wegner. From utilizing whiteboards for interactive learning to empowering students with small steps, this podcast delves into the importance of tailored approaches in education. Embrace neurodiversity in learning strategies and unlock the potential of unique tools and creative methods for supporting neurodivergent individuals.
Rethinking learning strategies can empower neurodivergent students by addressing unique challenges in self-regulation and task completion.
Neurodivergent learners benefit from fostering self-awareness and mindfulness in studying to enhance learning outcomes.
Implementing brain-friendly learning strategies based on neuroscience and integrating metacognitive practices can improve comprehension and retention for neurodivergent students.
Deep dives
Empowering Neurodivergent Learners through Rethinking Learning Strategies
Traditional teaching methods often do not address the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent learners. Gretchen Wegner, an expert in redefining study skills for these minds, explores how rethinking learning strategies can empower students. One major challenge neurodivergent students face is the difficulty in self-regulating emotions during learning, especially when tasks are boring or evoke negativity. Additionally, struggles with initiating, sustaining, and completing tasks arise when students lack control over assignments and fail to see the relevance or importance of the tasks, making it hard for them to connect with the material.
Understanding How Neurodivergent Students Learn
Neurodivergent students often face a lack of effective study strategies due to not having a diverse toolbox for learning. They may either adopt ineffective study methods observed in neurotypical students, leading to failure and negative feedback, or engage in creative but unfocused studying. A key struggle is the absence of teaching students how to be mindful of their own learning processes. This highlights the importance of fostering self-awareness among students to improve their learning outcomes.
Debunking Learning Style Myths and Focusing on Brain-Friendly Strategies
Dispelling the myth of learning styles, Gretchen focuses on brain-friendly learning strategies that align with the neuroscience of learning. By educating students on how their brains function and what they need to learn effectively, she emphasizes the significance of using strategies in a brain-friendly manner. Encouraging students to test themselves for effective learning, rather than resorting to passive methods like highlighting or rereading, enhances their comprehension and retention of material.
Teaching Executive Functioning and Metacognitive Skills for Enhanced Learning
Executive functioning skills, such as initiating, sustaining, and completing tasks, can be taught and improved through metacognitive awareness. By integrating metacognition into learning processes, students develop the ability to reflect on their actions and outcomes. This metacognitive loop helps students notice the impact of their learning strategies, fostering curiosity and adaptive learning habits. Applying playful and novel approaches to studying, like using whiteboards or incorporating retrieval practices, can make learning engaging and effective for neurodivergent learners.
Encouraging Anti-Boring and Playful Learning Approaches
Promoting an anti-boring approach to learning involves integrating playfulness and novelty into study methods to engage students. By infusing creativity and fun into study routines, students can combat feelings of overwhelm and helplessness, fostering a positive attitude towards learning. Emphasizing a balanced mix of repetition and variation in study techniques, along with integrating metacognitive practices, can empower students to navigate learning challenges effectively and develop lifelong learning skills.
Studying and learning skills are different for neurodivergent learners, and traditional teaching methods often fail to address their needs. So what happens when we rethink learning strategies to empower these students? On episode 207, we're unraveling these challenges with Gretchen Wegner, an expert in redefining study skills for neurodivergent minds. Creator of the AntiBoringLab YouTube channel, Gretchen will shed light on empowering students through innovative strategies.
Registration for the Neurodiversity University Educator Hub is now open, and only for a limited time! If you’re a teacher, you definitely need to check into joining this community of educators from around the world, who are learning and sharing ways to embrace neurodiversity in the classroom. It’s hosted and moderated by Emily Kircher-Morris, and features expert guests, roundtable forums, continuing education material and much more. You have until midnight Friday January 19 to register.
Gretchen Wegner is a former middle and high school teacher who now inspires and coaches students to build executive function skills, time management, organization and study skills. Gretchen is the creator of “The Anti-Boring Approach to Powerful Studying”. She is also the inventor of the productivity toy MuseCubes. In addition to coaching, Gretchen is a public speaker, improvisational performer, lindy hop dancer, backpacker and proud resident of Oakland, California.
