Module 7: Communication
Language Comprehension
Language comprehension is foundational to learning. If students don’t understand the words spoken to them, it will be more difficult for them to add meaning, connect new concepts with previously learned information, or grow in their understanding of the world around them. The need to have a well-developed comprehension of language only increases over time.
As students progress through the grades, instruction is based more on complex oral language. A lecture style of teaching, with the teacher standing at the front and speaking to the students while they listen and attach meaning, is more common as students move into middle and high school. More assistance and effort will be required to support a student with complex communication needs who may not be able to see or hear the teacher, has a smaller vocabulary, and fewer world experiences to draw connections to.
In addition to understanding words and instructions, students also need to be able to interpret the social communication of others. For example, what others mean by their actions and the way they use their words. Creating more opportunities for inclusion and social engagement can strengthen these parts of communication for students with complex needs.
Finally, comprehension of language is also foundational to expression. Students generally understand words before they begin to speak. So, they need to have understood a word to remember it and learn to use it meaningfully with others. Supporting students with complex needs to actively participate in classroom discussions requires educators to assist with hearing, comprehension, interpretation, and expression.
The way we teach matters. Teaching styles need to be modified so that students with complex needs can access learning opportunities in the classroom.
- Other than oral language, what additional supports do you provide students to help them understand complex instructions?
- What additional supports could you provide for your student with complex communication needs to enhance their understanding?
- Take some time to reflect on what you have learned by writing down your thoughts.
Expression, Learning, and Inclusion for Students with Complex Needs
Today’s classrooms are interactive learning spaces. Classroom lessons assume that students will:
- Participate in the learning activities
- Contribute and express their ideas
- Interact with their classmates
- Share their ideas
- Collaborate with others
Since comprehension impacts expression, if a student has difficulty making meaning of what is being taught (comprehension), they can also have difficulty sharing their ideas (expression) about their learning. Students with complex needs often communicate using sounds, gestures, movement, facial expression, and body language rather than verbally with words. Extra time and support are needed to inform classmates and other educators of the student’s individual communication style, so they can collaborate and contribute in classroom activities.