Section 2

What’s It Like?

This section will be especially useful for tutors who have little experience working with people who have learning disabilities. The activities should help tutors gain some insight into what it is like to have a learning disability and will enable tutors to empathize with learners who may have learning disabilities.

Activity A

Learning disabilities as a disruption of the information-processing cycle

This looks at common disruptions in the information processing cycle. Looking at learning disabilities in this way will help tutors later on as they start to figure out problems and possible solutions.

Use of handout, discussion

Materials and equipment

Handout 10.3: How Learning Disabilities Can Impact the Information-Processing Cycle
Flip chart and markers

Preparation

Copy handout.
Prepare the flip chart diagram ahead of time if you wish.

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS

  1. Hand out How Learning Disabilities Can Impact the Information-Processing Cycle.
  2. On the flip chart, write the following three elements of the information-processing cycle in a circular pattern:
    • inputting information
    • processing information
    • outputting information
  3. Go over the handout.
  4. Connect the three elements with arrows as you go through the handout. The last element of outputting should connect with inputting. Conclude by pointing out that a disruption in one part of the cycle affects the rest of the cycle.