Characteristics of Dissimilar Learners

The types of support characteristics of dissimilar learners are listed here:

Home Problems

• Lack of learning structure in the home
• Lack of respect for parents on the part of student
• Parents lack respect for educational system

Visual Learner

• Does not like to read
• Prefers hands-on activities
• Thought processes are more concrete than abstract

Low Skill Development

• Social Skills are low
• Dissimilar learners are verbally impaired--have difficulty effectively communicating feelings

Aggressive--Verbally and Physically

• Aggressive toward adults and peers
  • Verbal explosions
  • Abusive language
• Physically aggressive toward peers and teachers
  • Fights
  • Throws Objects
  • Makes inappropriate gestures
  • Reacts violently to being touched

Poor Personal Habits

• Poor hygiene
• Poor nutrition
• Misses classes, tardy
• Disorganized
• Complains of physical discomfort

Tactile

• Seeks excessive physical attention
• Can't keep hands or feet to self

Poor Peer Relationships

• Has difficulty making friends
• Teases other students
• Prefers to interact with older or younger age groups
• Often prefers to be alone
• Isolated by peers
• Physically threatens peers

Poor Work Habits

• Has trouble working independently
  • Needs frequent attention from the teacher
  • Needs directions to be repeated
  • Wants demands to be met immediately
  • Needs constant supervision and reminders
• Complains and whines about tasks
• Varies in rate of work completion
• Wants to monopolize class activities
• Rarely participates in class activities
• Shows inappropriate response/behavior
  • Talks in class
  • Sleeps in class

High Risk

• Fears are translated into aggression
• Emotionally Fragile
  • Cries
  • Withdrawn, avoids interactions with people
  • Low sense of security in relationships; does not generalize; must accept you first
• Feelings of insecurity
  • Thinks people are unfair
  • Denies behavior
  • Blames others
  • Responds inappropriately to constructive criticism
  • Reacts inappropriate in competitive situations or to the success of others

Poor Attitude

• Negativism--especially as a reaction to a rigid system
• Defensive
• Lack of motivation
• Acts impulsively
• Seeks to control the environment
• Lack of respect for authority
  • Questions directions and argues with corrections
  • Inappropriate comments, talks out
  • Verbally threatens authority figures
  • Physically threatens authority figures
• Defies rules, presents a continuing discipline problem
• Engages in self-destructive behavior
• Abuses property of others
  • Steals
  • Cheats

Hyperactive

• Nervous
• Very active (e.g., taps pencils, makes noises, moves body)
• Daydreams, draws, doodles
• Has difficulty staying in seat
• Leaves the room
• Continues inappropriate behavior after request to stop