Assisting Learners with SpLDs

There are a number of reasons why some language learners don’t progress at the same speed, and it can be difficult to determine how to best help them. One of the most elusive groups are those learners who are suspected of having a Specific Language Difficulty/ Disability/ Difference (SpLD), but do not have or cannot receive the proper assessment and documentation to verify this.

Luckily, many general techniques for helping learners with SpLDs are more often than not simply elements of good teaching and can be applied to all learners. This interactive online seminar will discuss some of these instructional adaptations, techniques and tips that can benefit the entire student population. Time will also be dedicated for participants to share their own approaches or ideas – chances are that you are already applying many of these best practices in your own classrooms!

Karlie Butler is an ESL instructor at the University of Regina. He recently completed a one-year sabbatical in which he engaged in self-guided learning regarding SpLDs.