Cognitive Strategy Instruction: The Remaining Specifics… 279

Through Cognitive Strategy Instruction, students with learning disabilities are enabled to increase their proficiencies in, and academic success of, virtually all areas of study. More specifically, this instructional tool can be effectively applied to Mathematics; Writing; Analytics etc. As has been previously alluded to in past blog posts, the benefits of Cognitive Strategy Instruction are not exclusively related to improvements in scholasticism; but instead, also encompass increased efficacy in the emotional and mental lives of individuals with ADHD and other learning disabilities. In fact, the results of using this instructional method, can be seen to improve the students’:

• Self Regulation
• Self concept
• Coping Tactics etc.

Giving learners a comprehensive, direct and step-by-step demonstration of diverse learning tactics, Strategy Instruction teaches students to incorporate diverse educational tactics into their studies, (i.e. auditory learning schemas, visual learning contexts, etc.). This is done in order to provide the student with an accessible and ready arsenal of skills, upon which, they can attain improved comprehension of scholastic and conventional material.

In order to effectively apply Cognitive Strategy Instruction, teachers and mentors are encouraged to help the student ascertain the type of learning strategy, through which, the scholar most readily understands, and can apply, the material they seek to learn. Hence, it must be used flexibly to ensure all types of learners are accommodated.

For example, if the student in question finds that he or she learns best through processing information via writing or drawing diagrams etc.; then, he or she should be inspired to utilize these particular strategies when studying. Further, and whilst, the student becomes familiar with his or her individualized and optimal learning methodologies, he or she must also be, schooled and practiced, in; applying such learning strategies within varying contexts. (Farmer, 2011)

To ensure peak results, the main strategies which have been identified as critical components involved in the application of Cognitive Strategy Instruction include: (Minskoff & Allsop, 2003)

• “Mnemonics” (or a method of memorization using letters and acronyms to learn abstract concepts and ideas)
• “Visualizations” (Diagrams, etc.)
• “Verbalizations”
• “Graphic Organizers”
• “Structured Steps” and
• “Multisensory” (learning through touch, see, feel etc.)

With a better understanding of the needs possessed by students with ADHD and other learning disabilities, their academic and conventional success can be enhanced immensely. Knowledge is power, so try incorporating these strategies in your life, or that of someone you know; and use these insights to bolster the scholastic, professional and personal success of yourself, or your loved ones, despite, and in light of a diagnosed Learning Disability.