Training materials for teachers of learners with severe, profound and complex learning difficulties: level All

Teaching becomes not only a process of ensuring that students possess a range of possible responses to a given practical problem, but also that they are aware of this repertoire and the need for its practical use. They must come to understand which learned strategy is appropriate for which situation.

Collis and Lacey, 1996

Teaching in practice

Lacey (2009) points out that thinking and problem solving is almost always going to be more difficult for those with SLD because of the likelihood of poor attention and memory skills, as well as difficulties with language and communication. Hulme and Mackenzie (1992) regard memory difficulties as placing additional strains on other cognitive skills, particularly reading and mathematics.

Lacey also points to research conducted by Wishart (1998) and Jarrold, Nadel and Vicari (2008) with children and adults with Down syndrome, through which we might reasonably safely draw the conclusion that those with severe learning difficulties will learn better when they can see and touch things related to their learning.

In other words, we can expect more learning to take place when we teach in a concrete manner, through real actual experience, rather than in an abstract manner through (for example) language, either written or spoken.

Thinking and problem solving in practice (1)

Learning is likely to be enhanced if we actually practise thinking and problem solving in real situations in real time.

Let's take an example. You have planned to deliver a storytelling lesson that involves the use of four step-by-step Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCA).

The lesson is due to start at 10am. At 9.55, you go to get out the machines from a cupboard in your class where you put them after their last use, but can only find one, which doesn't work. What do you do?

While in the normal course of events, teachers would have ensured resources were adequately prepared, in working order and ready for use, there may be occasions in a busy classroom when this is not possible.

Thinking and problem solving in practice (2)

Can you analyse and write down the steps you went through to resolve your dilemma?

Problem solving basically involves four key
mental processes:

Perception

Thinking

Action

Evaluation

Find out more

Collis, M. and Lacey, P. (1996) Interactive Approaches to Teaching, London: David Fulton.

Hulme, C. and Mackenzie, S. (1992) Working Memory and Severe Learning Difficulties, Hove: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Jarrold, C., Nadel, L. and Vicari, S. (2008) 'Down Syndrome Research and Practice.' Cited in Lacey, P. (2009)

Lacey, P. (2009) Teaching Thinking in SLD Schools: The SLD Experience.

Wishart, J. (1988) Cognitive development in young children with Down Syndrome: developmental strengths, developmental weaknesses. Cited in Lacey, P. (2009)