Janja Kafel

Janja identifies several challenges in teaching students with learning difficulties, including the stigma associated with needing extra help, difficulties with memorization, and maintaining student motivation. She notes that around 3 to 5 students in each class had some form of learning difficulty, such as dyslexia or ADHD.

To engage students and address their diverse needs, Janja used various game-based digital tools, including Kahoot, Baamboozle, and LearningApps. These tools made learning more interactive and provided instant feedback, which helped maintain student motivation. However, she encountered challenges with unequal access to digital devices, which sometimes created disparities in learning experiences.

Janja adapted her teaching materials by simplifying texts, using larger fonts, incorporating visuals, and providing additional practice materials. She also developed individual learning plans tailored to each student’s needs, setting achievable goals, and adjusting them based on progress. Collaboration with parents, school counselors, and other educators was key to implementing these plans effectively.

Janja emphasized the importance of inclusive teaching strategies, such as peer support, group work, and interactive activities, to ensure that all students, including those with learning difficulties, could participate. She used a variety of assessment methods, including oral exams, project-based assessments, and modified written tests, to fairly evaluate students’ language skills while considering their individual learning needs.

Janja highlighted the importance of continuous professional development and regularly attended workshops and online courses focused on teaching strategies for students with learning difficulties. She also stressed the need for more specialized training and resources tailored to foreign language teaching for students with special needs.

Janja shared a success story of a student with severe dyslexia who, through the use of visual aids, interactive games, and personalized instruction, made significant progress in learning German. By the end of the year, the student was able to read and write simple sentences, which was a major achievement.

Janja’s experience underscores the importance of adaptive teaching methods, continuous professional development, and collaboration with parents and educators to support students with learning difficulties in foreign language learning.