LD children are an extremely heterogenous group, each presenting different strengths, difficulties, and patterns of learning that need well-defined educational intervention. The misconception that any single approach to tutoring will benefit all LD students is not just false but may actually hinder their academic achievement and self-concept.
The Spectrum of Learning Differences
Learning disabilities manifest in innumerable forms. A dyslexic child may be a master of mathematical thinking but have difficulty with phonetic decoding, while a child with dyscalculia may be a top reader but have no understanding of number relationships. Some children with ADHD love high-energy, active learning situations, while others require quiet, structured environments to concentrate. Processing speed varies dramatically—some LD students need time to formulate responses, while others think quickly but struggle with extended executive function and organization.
Differences in sensory processing are another variable to consider. Some kids are over-sensitive to noise, light, or touch and need quiet, dark places with minimal physical contact. Others are under-sensitive and need extra sensory input through fidget devices, standing desks, or movement breaks in order to stay focused. Seating students by skill level or language learner status can create a more efficient tutoring session
Design Principles for Fostering Student Learning with High-Impact Tutoring (updated June 2024) - EdResearch for Action
, but individual learning profiles need to be addressed beyond mere academic level.
Matching Tutoring Approaches to Individual Needs
The best LD tutoring starts with careful evaluation of each child's individual learning profile. A child with auditory processing issues may do well with a tutor who specializes in visual learning techniques, graphic organizers, and written directions. On the other hand, a child with visual processing issues may do well with a tutor who excels at verbal explanations, narrations, and auditory mnemonics.
Learning style is quite diverse among LD students. Some are sequential learners who must be instructed step by step, while others are global thinkers who must see the entire picture before they will pay attention to details. Some students require continual positive reinforcement and praise, while others prefer straightforward, matter-of-fact feedback. Matching personalities is just as crucial—an introverted child may be frightened by an eager, high-strung tutor, while an outgoing child may tune out a shy teacher.
Specialized Training and Expertise
Various learning disabilities have unique instruction requirements. A tutor instructing dyslexic students should be familiar with systematic literacy methods such as Orton-Gillingham or Wilson Reading System. Students with autism spectrum disorders require tutors who are familiar with social communication techniques as well as sensory issues. Students with executive function difficulties need tutors trained in organizational systems, time management, and task decomposition strategies.
The Importance of Relationship Building
In addition to academics, LD students bring with them emotional issues from years of struggling in school. They might have developed learned helplessness, perfectionism, or school phobia. Correct tutor-student match provides a secure relationship in which the child feels valued and heard. The emotional rapport is frequently more critical than pedagogical approach in producing breakthroughs.
Collaborative Approach
Effective LD tutoring from private tutors like http://chicagohometutor.com/ involves continuous collaboration between parents, teachers, tutors, and occasionally other professionals such as occupational therapists or speech therapists. The tutor will need to know the child's IEP goals, classroom accommodations, and family circumstances to produce instruction that is truly customized.
Getting the right fit requires patience and sometimes a process of trial and error. Parents would do well to seek out tutors who have legitimate knowledge of their child's individual disability, are flexible in teaching style, and have realistic expectations with a celebratory mindset towards small accomplishments. The investment in the right fit reaps dividends both academically and in the child's relationship with learning.
