Will Hennessy, an advocate for fostering neurodivergent learners’ growth, shares about supporting neurodivergent learners and creating inclusive learning environments. Topics discussed include the challenges faced by neurodivergent learners, the importance of structure, accommodating different learning styles, and improving accessibility. Hennessy emphasizes the need for proactive teaching strategies and understanding individual needs.
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Quick takeaways
Flexibility and structure are crucial for supporting neurodivergent learners in the classroom.
Cultivating a sense of belonging is crucial for neurodivergent learners.
Deep dives
The Importance of Flexibility and Structure for Neurodivergent Learners
Flexibility and structure are crucial for supporting neurodivergent learners in the classroom. Implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can provide choice and flexibility in learning, allowing neurodivergent learners to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in ways that align with their interests and strengths. Providing authentic and alternative assessments that offer various formats, such as written tutorials, screencast videos, or visual infographics, can empower neurodivergent learners to showcase their understanding. Additionally, incorporating structure in syllabi, lesson plans, and learning management systems can help neurodivergent learners feel more comfortable and settled, reducing anxiety and allowing them to focus on their learning.
Creating a Sense of Belonging for Neurodivergent Learners
Cultivating a sense of belonging is crucial for neurodivergent learners. Humanizing the learning environment and fostering connections with learners can contribute to their academic success and well-being. Faculty can humanize their syllabi by including warm language, rethinking late assignment policies, and incorporating student input in the syllabus creation process. Implementing transparency and providing clear instructions, samples, and signposting in class can offer the structure and predictability that neurodivergent learners often need. By prioritizing connection and care, faculty can create inclusive learning environments where neurodivergent learners feel seen, heard, and supported.
The Benefits of Exercise and Music for Grounding and Mindfulness
Engaging in regular exercise, such as Muay Thai kickboxing, can help neurodivergent individuals ground themselves and be fully present in the moment. The technical aspects and physicality of activities like kickboxing require mental focus and encourage connection between the mind and body. Additionally, listening to music can promote mindfulness and emotional awareness. Selecting music based on one's mood can serve as a tool to check in with oneself and provide a sense of calm and grounding. Songs like 'Dissect the Bird' by John Craigie can serve as reminders to not stress over small things and maintain a positive perspective.
Embracing Proactive Support for Neurodivergent Learners
To better understand and support neurodivergent learners, it is essential for faculty to proactively embrace inclusive teaching practices. This involves acknowledging that learners have different needs and preferences and teaching in ways that cater to individual learning styles. Implementing flexibility, offering structure, and fostering connection can be powerful strategies to create inclusive learning environments. Educators can incorporate Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to provide choice and accommodate diverse learning needs. By humanizing syllabi, embracing transparency, and cultivating a sense of belonging, faculty can ensure that neurodivergent learners feel supported, empowered, and valued in the classroom.
Will Hennessy shares about fostering neurodivergent learners’ growth on episode 499 of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast.
Quotes from the episode
Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary, internal and external tics that occur repeatedly in the same way. OCD is a neurological disorder that causes problems with information processing.
-Will Hennessy
I honestly thought that I just wasn’t as smart as my peers, that I just needed to try harder, or that one day, I guess, it would just kinda all click in my brain. Now, obviously, I know that’s not the case now, but that’s kind of where I was at.
-Will Hennessy
I want to create inclusive learning environments for neurodivergent learners and introverts, students like me.
-Will Hennessy
Structure is incredibly important for neurodivergent learners. Even though we’re implementing flexibility and choice, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it has to be a free for all where students can just do whatever they want, that could actually hinder learning.
-Will Hennessy
Neurodivergent learners need structure. All learners need need structure.
-Will Hennessy