"Complete Learning Disabilities Handbook": a brief review

(Photo from tower.com)

In a 2009 blog article on Papyrus, the blogger cited a 2008-study conducted regarding the prevalence of learning difficulties among students in the UAE. Experts from British Institute of Learning Development  are said to have claimed that 50% of students are in one way or another facing problems in learning. Although this number is better be verified by other studies, it allows us a glimpse of a reality that, indeed, there are students in our classrooms who are under-performing not because they don't study but because of learning conditions that demand specialized attention.


Unfortunately, most of us, teachers, might not be fully aware of these difficulties, or if we are, we might be trapped in wondering what to do with students experiencing these difficulties.


Joan M. Harwell's handbook is a great starter for teachers who want to gain a solid foundation on learning disabilities and effective interventions. The book has the following amazing features:

• It is an easy-to-read manual which contains simple to understand concepts about learning disabilities.
• The examples are situated in the classroom setting which allow teachers without any specialized training in special education to fully relate with the concepts and techniques.
• Step-by-step procedures in effectively implementing some techniques can be found
• Useful worksheets, forms and activities are included.

Indeed, it is a must-read for all teachers who desire to explore why some of their students are having difficulties in class and who wish to provide guidance and support to them.

NOTE: A copy of this book can be found in the AJ Library.