Often a student who does not meet the required standard in academics is considered a failure. However when we look around and speak of success we often find that people who have made it to the upper echelons of success are also often people who have struggled through academics. So, what is the secret to their success?
Speaking to successful adults and reading of accounts of famous people that have made tremendous contributions to mankind; entertainers, designers, architects, writers, athletes, jurists, physicians, scientists, and political and business leaders, it is evident that they were in fact students who found learning a challenge. In many instances it is also clear that their difficulty in learning has actually been a catalyst for success - forcing them to develop and utilize hidden talents or talents unrecognized by the rigid exam oriented education system that currently exists in Sri Lanka. Often, their most crucial "life-saving" characteristic perseverance and the encouragement received from perhaps one person in their lives has been the means to success. Their successful lives, despite their difficulty in learning, shows us that "miracles" can be accomplished so long as they are encouraged by loving parents and caring teachers to believe in themselves.
However, the outcome is not always a success story for many students with learning difficulties. For every famous or well-known person who has overcome a difficulty in learning there are thousands and thousands more who have failed and grown up to be underemployed adults, shunted into routine, dead-end occupations for life. Some have difficulties maintaining families and raising children properly. Many drift into drugs and alcohol - even crime. Sadly, they could have succeeded if there was someone who was well informed, competent enough and cared enough to help them! Their loss and cost to society is incalculable.
Therefore as a society, parents and teachers need to be better informed about effective and efficient pedagogy that enable all children to learn. Well informed parents and teachers can help by structuring tasks and environments for children in ways that allow them to succeed. They can find ways to help children build on their strengths and work around their disabilities.
Every child has the ability to learn and the right to learn. Children must leave school with SKILLS FOR LIFE. The key is to combine the right educational environment, the teacher with the right knowledge and the right attitude and parents who are willing to work in collaborative partnership for the growth and development of the child. Teachers and parents must create more windows of opportunity where students have the chance to learn, nurture their talents and develop their strengths.
By recognizing this need the Ladies' College Department of Vocational Studies with its strong commitment to education has introduced an Online Diploma for adults interested in the education and well being of students with difficulties in learning.
This unique online programme recognizes the busy schedule of adults and prepares learners to be effective Parents, Professionals and Teachers when dealing with students with difficulties in learning. Online learning courses have become increasingly popular with the expansion of the internet and its ability to deliver online learning to learners around the world. Online Learning allows learners to pursue higher education through alternative learning environments via the web and meets the demands of today's busy student. It allows the learner to enrol in the programme and continue learning from anywhere in the world.
The Online Diploma in Specific Learning Disabilities emphasizes on developing innovative teaching strategies, specific teaching and management suggestions, the development of special materials, and various classroom and curriculum modifications to meet the needs of students with difficulties in learning. This course examines many aspects of teaching and a variety of practical approaches from a number of theories.
The online diploma programme in Specific Learning Disabilities is now in its second year of student enrolment. It provides a practical approach to students from many different countries to teach and manage children with difficulties in learning. Currently professionals in School Management, Teachers, Parents, School Leavers, Mid Career Professionals and Health Professionals Including Doctors, Psychologists and Nurses enrol in this programme.
The diploma programme also caters to a growing need for teachers in the sphere of Special Needs Education within mainstream and special schools. The Diploma has been developed with the support of the Distance Learning Modernization Project (DEMP) of the Ministry of Higher Education.
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