STUDENTS WITH ASPERGER’S SYNDROME PARTICIPATING IN GROUP
WORK
Rich Exchanges
21st July
Olivia Sismey and Stephanie Brewster
NUMBERS OF STUDENTS WITH AS IN HE
2003
-200
4
2004
-200
5
2005
-200
6
2006
-200
7
2007
-200
8
2008
-200
9
2009
-201
0
2010
-201
1
2011
-201
2
2012
-201
3
2013
-201
40
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
% OF STUDENTS WITH AS/ASD IN EACH FACULTY IN UNI OF WOLVERHAMPTON
science/en-gineering
education/health
social science
arts 0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
1.2
1.4
1.6
ASPERGER’S SYNDROME CAN RESULT IN…
Difficulties in Social communication and interaction Restricted behaviour and interests Sensory sensitivities Planning/prioritisingOften co-occurs with mental health conditions e.g. anxiety
BENEFITS OF GROUP WORK
Can be used for both teaching/learning and assessment
Responds to diverse learning preferences Development of subject knowledge Employability Transferrable skills Encourages autonomy and commitment
Can be problematic for any student, but presents particular challenges for those with AS
CHALLENGES FOR STUDENTS WITH AS
Admission into university – use of interviews and group work
Confidence; physical presence in groups, busy places, with strangers
Communication – knowing what is appropriate: may speak too much or not at all, or appear disengaged from the rest of the group
Speaking when around strong personalities Group work within lectures without prior warning.
CHALLENGES FOR STUDENTS WITH AS
The need for organisation, structure and time management: other students may not follow along with it
Stress from new situations especially if others in group don’t know they have AS
Lecturer’s “implied expectations” – the hidden curriculum.
Not fully understanding the task
STRENGTHS OF STUDENTS WITH AS
Using written media/electronic communication Attention to detail (e.g. Harvard referencing!) Following structure, meeting grading criteria Looking at things from a different angle Highly gifted in some specific areas May be good at organising other students Deep study and in-depth knowledge – especially if
it is a subject of interest Honesty - often bad at lying (can be a challenge
too) Tendency to be logical so task may get done more
efficiently Tendency for perfectionism (can also be a
challenge)
BENEFITS OF GROUP WORK FOR STUDENTS WITH AS
Gives students with AS the same opportunities to participate in and benefit from learning through groups: Subject knowledge, transferable skills etc.
Helps build peer relationships Expansion of ideas (some students with AS
have a very narrow focus) Development of flexibility Allows other students to have greater
awareness of differences
STRATEGIES TO TRY
Allow time for development of skills Consider preferences for blended learning,
classroom layout/size, choice of group members (personalities; familiarity) and group size.
Get to know the student’s strengths and difficulties. Don’t presume...
Provide independent study options Give clear instructions on task. Brain in hand – app to help with situations - new Sensory room – calm down if stressed
BRAIN IN HAND APP
REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING Centre for Accessible Resources (2015) Working with student who may have
Autism or Asperger’s [online].[Accessed 15 June]. Available at: <http://www.lanecc.edu/disability/working-students-who-may-have-autism-or-aspergers>.
Disability Resource centre (2012) Asperger's Syndrome in the Classroom [online].[Accessed 15 June]. Available at: <http://students.ok.ubc.ca/drc/__shared/assets/Asperger_s_Syndrome_In_the_Classroom 31642.pdf>.
Hughes, M., Milne, V., McCall, A, and Pepper, S. (2010) Supporting Students with Asperger’s Syndrome. HEA and UK Physical Sciences Centre https://www.heacademy.ac.uk/sites/default/files/supporting_students_aspergers_syndrome_rpg.pdf
Madriaga, M and Goodley, D (2010) Moving beyond the minimum: socially just pedagogies and Asperger’s syndrome in UK higher education. International Journal of Inclusive Education Vol. 14, No. 2, p115–131
National Autistic Society http://www.autism.org.uk/Working-with/Education/Education-professionals-in-FE-and-HE/College-and-university-supporting-students-with-Asperger-syndrome.aspx
A Quick Guide for Supporting Students with Asperger’s Syndrome: Lecturers / Personal Tutors http://find.jorum.ac.uk/resources/6844
Smith, C, P. (2007) Support Services for Students with Asperger's Syndrome in Higher Education. College Student Journal, 41(3), pp.515-531