For special education students, study guides can make the difference between academic and behavioral success or real disconnect and disengagement in the classroom. They are a valuable tool for the learning toolkit in providing students with academic expectations, the organization of learning objectives and outcomes, and a systematic method of processing academic content. Both teachers and students can create study guides that are individualized for IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) and personalized for the learner.
Sample Study Guide
- Title/Topic/Subject/Assignment Heading - Students need to know what the specific heading is in order to complete the learning objective. For example a subject of an assignment could be: "The Joy of Applying Math in Cooking."
- Learning Objective/Purpose: What is the expected outcome of the lesson? In the example above, the purpose and learning outcome would be: Describe how math computations can be used in cooking an omelet.
- Vocabulary/Terms/Definitions/Key Words: Create a word list and provide the student with a dictionary to look up each word for context. A typical word list could include the following: omelet, teaspoon, quantity, vegetarian, types of meat, and temperature.
- Provide Sample Problems/Reading Examples: Give students a sample of what the learning outcome should be. For example if you want them to solve an algebraic problem, then provide them with a sample problem with all steps shown and the solution. In the example on applying math in cooking, students could be given an omelet recipe that contains the ingredients and the measurable quantities of each ingredient for the omelet along with temperature for cooking.
- Reflection Questions: If you want students to answer questions, then provide them with page numbers of text if needed or sample cooking problems so that students can find the answers easily. For the cooking example, sample questions could be: "What types of math calculations did you use in making your omelet?" or "What additional math skills did you use in cooking your omelet?" and finally, "What did you like about the cooking activity? Dislike?"
In creating a study guide whether it's teacher or student constructed, make sure that the student's IEP supports the learning objectives and the level of expectations contained within the guide. An effective guide can mean a world of engagement for students with special needs in all classrooms.
