Word Problems: Online Educator Strategies to Work Through Composition Struggles for Adult Learners on the Spectrum
Date
2022-11
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Abstract
In many online classes such as College Composition I and II, written communication plays a major role in how educators connect with students as well as how students display comprehension of course material. For adult learners on the spectrum, it can be difficult to interpret a meaning in those communications that we as educators may take for granted. This presentation will remind educators how much we depend on our words to be clear to everyone, and how Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can cause adult learners to misinterpret what we say and write. Such misunderstandings can lead to frustration and failure to thrive in the online learning environment. As educators of composition and composition-heavy courses, we must develop strategies to proactively meet the needs of these adult learners so they, too, may thrive on their academic journeys.
Description
• Recall the online learning environment’s dependency on written and spoken language.
• Explain how effects of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can alter the interpretation of written and spoken language in an online setting.
• Discuss how such interpretations could cause struggles in a composition-heavy course.
• Develop resources and strategies for the educators to provide ASD learners so they can also thrive on their academic journeys.
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