Learning Styles, OCD, ADHD, Dyslexia, Etc

LEARNING STYLES: MYTHICAL OR REAL? Another piece of research on learning styles focuses on the beliefs of educators and others about the reality of those styles, e.g., whether learning styles are real and perhaps inherited from parents. The starting point for the research is that learning styles are a myth, a concept not supported by scientific evidence. Find the study write-up. We in the 2e community have a different concept of “learning style.” We don’t believe that dyslexia is a myth, or dyscalculia, or other conditions that might require a student to access and express information in ways different than neurotypical peers. We do believe, however, that this issue needs examination and clarification with regards to how the terms are used and applied to students in the 2e community. If learning styles are a myth, then it seems to us that many, many people and institutions must be mistakenly using the term “students who learn differently” as part of their mission description.

AND SPEAKING OF “students who learn differently,” NCLD and Understood just issued a report with the stated purpose of “helping educators unlock the power of students who learn differently.” The report is based on a literature review and expert input, and it lays out:
— Three critical mindsets which can positively influence learning of the 1 in 5 students with learning and attention issues
— Eight practices to improve classroom achievement of the 1 in 5
Find the report.

MORE ON MENTAL HEALTH IN COLLEGE. In our last posting, we mentioned a USA Today article on this topic. NPR has a related story covering the possible origins of the “epidemic. The angle here: the interviewees are a professor of psychiatry and a family therapist who are co-authors of the book The Stressed Years of their Lives; the duo came together when the therapist’s son had issues in college. Find the interview.

ADDITUDE says that some popular productivity advice might “torpedo” the ADHD brain, possibly not only being counterproductive but actually harming self-esteem. Read more.

CHILD MIND INSTITUTE. This week’s newsletter focuses on a form of OCD where kids are “hounded by thoughts of suicide,” even though they don’t want to kill themselves. Find the newsletter.

UNDERSTOOD has an upcoming June 6th webinar on reading interventions and instructional strategies for struggling readers and kids with dyslexia. More information.

WHO now says that video game addiction is a mental disorder. Read more.

AND FROM US. There’s something new on The 2e Resource website – the Professional Resources section. It’s a place where educators, psychologists, and others can find articles and research findings along with tips, strategies, and more related to twice-exceptionality. There’s also information on professional development opportunities and ways to connect with other professionals in the field online. So please stop by to see what’s there and let others know about it. Then come back often to see what’s new. And let us know what you think.