Recurring Patterns

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Recurring Patterns

• by Jordaan Allison

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So whats the big deal?

• Im a visual learner that has to translate into a
  foreign language.
• On my first exposure to new information, I have
  difficulty remember clearly what Ive learned
  (reading, hearing).
• This also affects when I retrieve information
  because I cant always be sure that I know what I
  know.
• Both new and old ideas compete for my attention,
  making it difficult to distinguish one from the
  other.
• Ive had to accommodate by making educated
  guesses and constantly doubt myself in order to
  avoid making errors (slower paced processing).
• It difficult to organize thoughts unless I can
  see the Big Picture. That way I can ensuring
  that I have enough details that verify the
  information Ive learned is accurate.
• Always referring back to my visual map in my
  memory.

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The Analogy of the Locksmith for Immediate
Auditory Short Term Memory

• The Lock my memory
• The Key new information
• The locksmith decides what lock fits each key.

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The Analogy of the Locksmith

• Immediate auditory short term weakness affects
  input and output
• Input
• The locksmith is not efficient with new
  information
• He sorts through all his available keys to find
  the match
• Once he has used the key a few times he knows
  where to find it
• Review really helps him remember information

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The Analogy of the Locksmith

• Output
• Difficulty doing timed Quizzes
• To be able to unlock the idea, The locksmith must
  repeat the input process and locate the correct
  keys to access the idea. This requires being able
  to juggle tasks to maximize his potential.
  Practice is needed.
• In conversation not as difficult
• Once engaged in the information stored in my long
  term memory, the locks open and I am able to
  access information easily

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My Learning Disability

• Auditory Memory
• Working Memory
• Psychomotor speed
• Attention Issues
• Spelling and Math

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Visual Processing

• Name Example B. Spinoza

• Concept Example Ontological Argument

Facts - Apriori knowledge, Rene Descartes Meaning
Because the world exists, God must exist.
Gods Hand
The universe
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Phonological Awareness

• Processing verbal sounds, called phonemes, into
  meaningful concepts. This effects the decoding of
  familiar words or unfamiliar words
• Example Sweater can be broken down into sounds
  (Sweater). This can sometimes be confused
  with other similar words like Sweeter.

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Working Memory Weakness

• The work bench of the mind
• A limited space where ideas are received,
  processed and rehearsed to and from long term
  memory
• New information (auditory and visual) is
  colliding with remembered information on the work
  bench
• There is never enough space on the bench for all
  the information so information falls off and is
  forgotten

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How has it personally affected me?

• Difficulties remembering names
• Organizing tasks (short term memory)
• Adhering to schedules (short term memory)
• Issues retaining new information
• Expressing myself before information is well
  learned
• Behavioral problems in elementary and high
  school

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Negative Experiences so far

• The stigma associated with being labeled an LD
  student
• Teachers who did not understand and wrote me off
  as a disturbance
• I did not understand my problem and refused to
  self advocate
• This resulted in low self esteem and a lack of
  faith in my abilities

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Positive Experiences so far

• Great teachers that offered assistance when they
  saw I needed it and who pushed me to challenged
  myself
• Nipissing has opened doors for me
• It has helped me to accept my learning disability
  as a strength in order to capitalize on that
  knowledge
• Feelings of accomplishment

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My Strengths

• Recalling what I have learned from long term
  memory
• Understanding what I have read
• Vocabulary
• Abstract verbal reasoning (understanding
  theories)
• Visual organization to remember detail
• Difficult tasks are stimulating
• Interesting instructors support this strength

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Strategies that incorporate my strengths

• Quiet and tidy place to study
• Multi-tasking
• Listening to music while studying (association)
• Repeated exposure
• Mapping out the big picture to understand the
  main idea
• Sitting in the front of the class
• Positive Attitude

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Accommodations I use

• 1/3 Extra test time
• Computer word processor for essay tests
• Distraction free exam room
• Reviewing study practices with a learning
  strategists

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Adaptive Technology

• Dragon Naturally Speaking used for
  brainstorming and transferring ideas in a
  workable format
• Laptop Computer used for note taking in class
  and essays
• Digitally recorded lectures its even better
  the second time around
• Text Out Loud MP3 proof read essays, lecture
  notes and research material on the go.
• Palm Pilot Helps me stay focused on school and
  not on my schedule

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Open Doors For Your Students

• Try to create an open environment where you can
  speak openly with them about their difficulties.
• Find out what works for them and try to find ways
  to capitalize on that strategy.
• Offer suggestions on how to solve the problem,
  they might not be aware of the alternatives.