Andi Pershelli, MS
ABSTRACT: Following a traumatic brain injury, including a mild concussion, most students will have some degree of memory impairment. It can take 1-3 years for a child’s memory to improve to its maximum capability following injury. Children cannot wait that long before returning to school. Teachers need to know how to diversify their instruction in order to assist children with traumatic brain injuries in transitioning back to school. Students cannot simple by provided with a list of memory strategies and be expected to use them successfully; a variety of memory strategies is only the beginning. Teachers should know how to select one or two strategies that will work best given a student’s individual strengths. These strategies must then be taught through repetition, practice and assisted use until the employment of those strategies becomes automatic. This article will (1) explain a variety of memory strategies and how to select strategies based on students’ strengths, (2) compare several scan-and-read software programs presently available to schools and explain how to use them as memory aides, and (3) provide memory tools to use in studying for tests.
Classroom Strategies to Use with Students Following Traumatic Brain Injuries:Reading, Math, Writing and Behavior
Andi Pershelli,
MS
Journal of the Council for Exceptional Children Division for Physical and Health Disabilities
Volume 24, Number 1
(Fall 2005)
ABSTRACT: A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) changes cognition and behavior in students. Their learning needs are different from students with other exceptionalities. General and special education teachers can use specific strategies based on learning style, along with certain resources, with students who have experienced a TBI to promote learning in reading, writing and math. The typical Behavior Improvement Plan of Antecedent, Behavior, Consequences does not work with a child after a TBI. Instead, a Behavior Improvement Plan should be developed based on the student’s learning style after the injury, incorporating his or her physical and cognitive capabilities.