I Need Help! How Can I Learn!! - Learning Disorders Message Board

bleedingsoul88 · 07-05-2005, 09:13 PM

I am currently on academic probation at school, and I had to drop last semester because I tried to kill myself. I was hospitalized for almost a week, and missed so much that I withdrew for medical reasons. I was so afraid that I would fail out of college that I just needed a break.

I re-petitioned for college entry, and I will either be going back this fall or spring semester. I am really afraid that when I go back, I may still fail out, and I just don't want that to happen!

Okay, here's a brief description of my learning difficulties. Well, first, I can't concentrate during classes. I can hear and see everything the teacher is talking about, but none of it processes. I also forget everything. I've tried taking notes, but halfway through, I space out, and stop taking the notes. So, note taking doesn't work either.

When I read through the materials, I don't remember anything that I read, even if I read it multiple times. My roommate recommended that I take notes on the reading as I go, I tried that, but that only helped slightly. I still just barely passed my exams and quizzes, which are the majority of my grades.

Does anyone have any suggestions to help me learn? I really don't want to fail out permanently

Please help.

Pearl201se11 · 07-05-2005, 10:28 PM

Have you tried using a tape recorder? I used one for 1 day, then it got stolen and I never got it back (even though I had my name and complete birthdate engraved in it)! Also, you could try asking for a student note-taker or ask the teacher/professor ect. if you can make a copy of his/her notes.

lindiana53 · 07-08-2005, 10:12 AM

I know a bit about this, so here are some suggestions that you might consider:

If you have a documented learning disability, you should be able to get some accommodations for your problems. It's hard to say what these might be, but they often include extra time for tests and perhaps a notetaker or tutor.

Sit in the front of the room where you are least likely to be distracted.

Visit the teacher during his/her office hours and explain your situation--briefly. Show your enthusiasm for the class and the subject (instructors love this) and ask for some assistance or suggestions that the instructor may reasonably be able to provide. An outline of the lecture or more writing on the board might be of great help to you.

If you think that taping the lecture would be helpful, ask the instructor's permission. If you tape, don't stop taking notes! The tape is to supplement, not replace your notes.

Perhaps you might be able to look at someone's notes. This can be tricky, but turn on your charm.

There are tricks to effective text reading. Textbooks are organized in segments with headings, subheadings, summaries, study questions, etc. Use these aids to help you understand the content. Set reasonable goals for reading. Say that you will read for 15 minutes and then take a break. As your roommate suggested, make notes in the margins of your books or outline as you read. Active reading is more interesting and makes learning easier--for everyone.

Practice time management. Put your schedule in detail on paper and follow it. Be sure to include time to relax and socialize as well as to study.

Most colleges have a writing center or learning center. You should use any and all college services to their full extent.

Find a mentor from the faculty or staff. Successful students do this.

Finally, you must be your own advocate. Having a LD is tough, but I've seen students do well and walk away with a college degree in hand. You need to be resourceful. If something isn't working, you need to try another strategy. A lot of college students have fears and issues to overcome, so you're not alone in this. Good luck.

moreinfoneeded · 09-08-2005, 05:17 PM

Have you always had a problem with focusing and note taking. Since this is college this is definately a huge difference from high school.

All the onus is on you to keep up with the teacher and not the other way around.

- are you registered for the correct course of your interest or is it a 'requirement' before you get to the course you really want? Sometime disinterest plays a role in whether your attention is there or not.

- buddy up with someone (if possible), maybe you can go for coffee after and discuss the class and notes.

- ask for supporting web pages / reference books - which sometimes give a person a more tangible information than verbal.

- the taperecord sounds good, but you'll have to have it close to the instructor otherwise that same background sound will distract you.

- if in doubt, see a physician to determine is tests are required.

Zeethan · 10-26-2005, 08:23 PM

Do you use visualization? Maybe search around for right brained/left brained thinkers tests and see if any of the cues from the test fit your style. If you find that you are more visual, you can come up with a plan that lets you learn what you need to learn with some modifications. Just an idea.