Teaching languages to specific populations means understanding the nuances of each group. For neurodiverse individuals, language acquisition is a different experience than for neurotypical learners. It presents a unique set of challenges for teachers but also presents opportunities you may not have considered.
With the right educational approach, you can help neurodiverse students overcome these issues. That includes creating a supportive, inclusive atmosphere where neurodiverse language students can thrive. Let’s explore how language acquisition works for neurodiverse learners.
Challenges and Strengths in Language Acquisition for Neurodiverse Students
Most people understand that neurodiverse students have unique challenges and strengths regarding communication. In order to address those needs, teachers must understand what it means to be neurodivergent and how that can impact learning.
Today, roughly 15% to 20% of the population is neurodivergent. This term often refers to people who have a diagnosis that can impact how some parts of the brain function and learn, such as autism, dyslexia, Tourette’s syndrome, and more. It can also include people with ADHD, mental health challenges like depression, and brain injuries acquired in life.
Neurodiversity teaches us that different brains work in different ways that impact education. For example, neurotypical students may be able to sit still for a learning period in class but neurodiverse students may learn better while walking about or wearing headphones to minimize distractions. Unfortunately, many learning environments cater only to neurotypical students, leading to poor outcomes for the neurodiverse community.
What can teachers expect when navigating the neurodiverse classroom? The answer comes down to potential learning differences among neurodiverse language students, including:
- Assessing interactions with others in a way that neurotypical people do not experience, leading to misinterpretation;
- Difficulty remembering material they’ve been taught;
- Requiring more time to process information;
- Difficulty organizing thoughts and speech.
This can impact their ability to acquire speech as rapidly as neurotypical students.
Additionally, because their brains function uniquely, neurodiverse students may demonstrate behaviors that their neurotypical peers do not comprehend. That makes them vulnerable to bullying, misunderstanding, and miscommunication, which can be frustrating and make them wary of an educational environment. By better understanding their needs and creating an environment that embraces their learning differences, teachers can help these students thrive.
Educational Strategies for Successful Learning Outcomes
What are some of the educational strategies that language teachers can take to provide successful learning outcomes for these students? When considering their approach, educators should consider the roots and practices of humanism in language teaching (HLT). Expert Rod Bolitho, a freelance ELT trainer and consultant, states that there are three core components to using this person-centered approach: empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard.
These allow teachers to put themselves in the mindset of their neurodiverse students without any pre-existing notions or judgments. While this is a common approach for counseling, HLT also applies to teaching. Here are some skills you can in your teaching practice use to better support your neurodivergent students:
- Active listening: Instead of focusing on how your student is communicating, listen to what they are communicating by confirming you understand their responses.
- Encouraging exploration and discovery: Exploratory learning, usually phased out as children advance in school, can help neurodiverse students discover language rules for themselves rather than forcing rote learning.
- Fostering autonomy: This educational goal helps the learner to move from dependence on the teacher to use their newly acquired language skills independently.
- Providing educational choice: Offer supportive resources to the student when traditional textbooks and tools are not suited for an individual learner’s needs.
These are just a handful of tools available in the HLT approach. Another way that teachers can think outside the box when helping neurodiverse students learn is to create an adaptive learning atmosphere that supports their learning needs.
How Adaptive Learning Environments Benefit Students?
Adaptive learning is a unique approach that can benefit your neurodiverse students. This tool incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) into language education. AI employs several components in its approach to language education, including:
- Natural language processing helps computers better understand and emulate human language.
- Machine learning allows computers to examine how users interact with data over time to predict their future behaviors.
- Virtual language tutors powered by AI deliver a more personalized learning environment for the student.
- Chatbots, which allow students to engage in conversation and answer questions while providing instant feedback.
Using AI-powered language tools can provide neurodiverse students with a more engaging and immersive experience, which promotes retention and skill acquisition. AI also provides accessible tools to help students, such as transcription, lip-reading, and captioning services.
Strategies for Success
Teachers may require additional training to help their neurodiverse students succeed. If finding time is difficult, teachers can employ strategies to continue their online education. When upgrading your education, set predetermined goals, such as engaging your neurodiverse students. It’s also wise to use the technology and resources offered in an online class as much as possible. These actions will help you succeed in class, and your neurodivergent students will benefit most of all.
Teaching neurodiverse students language acquisition requires you to understand their needs. Address them with the best teaching strategies, such as HLT and adaptive learning. Pursuing your education takes extra work, but your efforts will be well-rewarded when you help your students succeed.
