Learning Disabilities And Success In Post-Secondary Education: How Students Make Sense Of Their Experiences At An Institution Of Higher Learning

Abreu-Ellis, Carla; Abreu-Ellis, Carla

ISBN 10: 3836475766 / ISBN 13: 9783836475761

Published by Vdm Verlag Dr. Müller, 2008

About this Item

200 pages. 8.66x5.91x0.46 inches. In Stock.

Seller Inventory # 3836475766

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Learning Disabilities And Success In Post-Secondary Education: How Students Make Sense Of Their Experiences At An Institution Of Higher Learning
• Publisher: Vdm Verlag Dr. Müller
• Publication Date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3836475766
• ISBN 13: 9783836475761
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: Brand New
• Weight: 0.27 kilograms

About this title

Synopsis

This research paper aimed to understand how students with learning disabilities made sense of their experiences in post-secondary education. Six post-secondary students with learning disabilities who were in line to graduate were recruited to contribute to this study. Findings indicated that participants faced two key challenges while at university: They had to cope with parental separation and learn to become more independent as they adapted to the university life; and they had to come to grips with their learning disabilities and deal with preconceptions of parents, peers, and faculty as well as their own in order to succeed in higher education. In terms of success, four themes emerged from the research findings: the influence of family and school personnel motivated the students to enroll in a post-secondary institution; support from faculty, who reduced barriers and made learning more accessible, facilitated the students' positive achievements; strong support through an office of disability services was key in the students' success; and, most importantly, the value of the participants' own determination and desire to succeed was indispensable in their academic journeys.

About the Author

Dr. Carla Abreu-Ellis is an Assistant Professor of Intervention Services, in the College of Education, at Ashland University. Her research interests include college experiences of students with learning disabilities, assistive technology use in higher education, and issues related to college student access, diversity, and retention.