The Heritage for Digital and Literacy Learning project was created to develop key literacy and digital skills of pupils in a context that would be engaging and accessible to all. The European heritage serves as an interesting background when, on the first plan, students are improving their creativity, ability to use new technologies, as well as writing and reading skills. In this article, we are breaking down all the methods incorporated in the project, which make it suitable for students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD).
Activity-Based Learning (ABL)
Learning should not revolve only around workbooks and a blackboard. For many children, especially for those with SLD, traditional learning methods are not effective. This is when Activity-Based Learning (ABL) comes into action. It is a pedagogical approach which focuses on students and their natural curiosity towards real-life experiences. Instead of forcing pupils to absorb theoretical knowledge, it invites them to develop an in-depth understanding that comes from real-life experience.
How is the method beneficial?
- Providing children with time and tools to discover their own approach to completing tasks, thereby strengthening their problem-solving skills and boosting self-confidence.
- Utilising knowledge, skills, and talents that students already have.
- Integrating various educational materials, ensuring that all students can participate freely and equally.
- In-depth understanding of the topic, which results in its long-term memorisation.
- Enhancing interpersonal skills, since activities often require working in a group.
Incorporating ABL in Digital and Literacy Learning
The Activity-Based Learning approach is the heart of the Heritage for Digital and Literacy Learning, making it a valuable tool for creating an inclusive learning environment. Here are four pillars of the project which contribute to that.
1. Engaging and Accessible Activities
Making learning a truly fun experience is the key to success. Deployment of multisensory educational methods and off-school experiences can be particularly effective, exposing children to various stimuli at once. The project encourages students to explore the cultural heritage that surrounds them by participating in activities, such as visiting museums, listening to family members’ memories and searching for cultural gems hidden in their neighbourhood. The knowledge they gather can be utilised and presented in the form of the “city tour”, which they are invited to create as the final step of the project.
2. Supportive Technology
Technology is a blessing, so do not hesitate to make good use of it in the classroom. Text-to-speech tools, audio recordings, speech recognition software, etc. can improve the quality of lessons significantly for pupils with Specific Learning Disorders, enabling them to fully participate in all the activities and ensuring the sense of involvement.
You can learn more about the project’s impact on inclusivity in education here: Inclusivity in Literacy and Digital Learning Through Heritage.
3. Adaptive Learning Materials
Technology is not the only tool that can help you increase engagement among pupils who struggle with learning. There are simple yet effective methods to help students manage cognitive load and make content more accessible to all. Among the best practices that we recommend while implementing the project’s resources into the classroom are:
- providing content in various formats,
- using easily readable fonts and clear visuals,
- simplifying texts,
- segmenting assignments.
4. Group Activities
The project’s activities require teamwork, which can be beneficial for pupils in multiple ways. Well-organised group activities allow each of the members of the group to show their strengths, ensuring the feeling of fulfilment and inclusion, as well as increasing their self-confidence. Complementing each other with different skill sets strengthens awareness of the importance of diversity within the group, making every student feel valued. Apart from exchanging experiences and talents, teamwork provides time and space for peer tutoring, which can be beneficial not only for children with learning disabilities, but also for those who extend a helping hand.
Digital and Literacy Learning with SLD can be fun!
The Heritage for Digital and Literacy Learning project shows that creating a friendly educational environment where every student can thrive does not have to be as difficult as it sounds. If you have not yet explored all the project’s resources, we invite you to have a look at them here: heritage4learning.eu.