Assessment 1: Reflection on Learning Differences - LDF402

This report is a reflection on the concept of learning differences, difficulties, and disabilities within the context of the LDF402 course. The student analyzes the importance of using the term 'Learning Differences' over 'Learning Disabilities' and the concept of learning at one's own pace. The reflection delves into the key differences between learning difficulties, which don't impact general intelligence, and learning disabilities, often associated with cognitive impairment. The paper explores the importance of designing instructional programs that foster every child's development, the impact of learning disabilities on individuals, and the distinction between learning difficulties and disabilities. The author emphasizes the need for respect for individual learning styles and the importance of support and intervention for individuals with learning challenges.

Running Head: LEARNING DIFFERENCES
0
Learning Differences
Learning Differences Reflection
(Student Details: )
3/9/2020

LEARNING DIFFERENCES 1
Contents
Reflection: LDF402 Learning Differences................................................................................2
Introduction................................................................................................................................2
Reflection...................................................................................................................................2
Conclusion..................................................................................................................................3
References..................................................................................................................................4

LEARNING DIFFERENCES 2
Reflection: LDF402 Learning Differences
Introduction
The discussion is based on understanding as well as applying a reflective approach to
analyse the issues and then address those challenges with learning differences. With this
reflection, based on (Boud, Keogh, & Walker, 2013), I will critique and thereby reflect on my
own and others’ assumptions, prejudices and biases related to learning differences. In this
way, this paper is going to demonstrate independent research skills so that effective
communication skills can be demonstrated.
Reflection
Learning into the module made me learn about learning difficulties, differences and
disabilities. Thus, this section is containing reflection upon an understanding of differences,
difficulties and thereby disabilities. I observed that people always prefer to utilise the term
‘Learning Differences’ (LD) in place of ‘Learning Disabilities’. I believe that it happens
because they are concerned that learning disabilities might only focus on a person’s mental
weaknesses and hence isolates them from the rest of the learners. My learning related to LD
suggests that learning differences are used to highlight that individuals are allowed to learn at
their own pace (Ash & Clayton, 2014).
In addition to that, the principles of learning differences suggest that people having
learning disabilities always learn differently (Early Years Careers, 2020). The people with
learning disabilities can offer and thereby contribute more as compared to people without
learning disabilities. Moreover, ‘learning differences’ certifies the utilisation of the term of
‘learning differences’ versus ‘learning disabilities’ for further ensuring that people are
suitably found as needed by such laws to attain supports and services given by such laws
(Bustamante, Greenfield, & Nayfeld, 2018).
According to me, learning difficulty is the condition that can cause people to face
issues while learning into a conventional classroom scenario (Boud, Keogh, & Walker,
2013). Researchers have found that co-presenting motor skills, as well as learning difficulties,
is not so uncommon. For example, dyspraxia, dyslexia, and ADHD can occur at the same
time (Chittick, 2020). In the context of differentiation amid learning disability and learning

LEARNING DIFFERENCES 3
difficulty, I have learned a lot. For instance, I have learned that learning difficulty usually
does not impact general intelligence. On the contrary, a learning disability in an individual is
often associated with the cognitive impairment. In this context, a few key examples of
learning difficulties are dyspraxia and dyslexia.
My knowledge based on learning differences suggests that an individual with a
learning difficulty can be defined as having particular issues processing some forms of data
and information. Based on (Ash & Clayton, 2014), I learned that learning difficulty never
impacts basic intelligence that is known as IQ. In this context, people can have more than one
learning difficulty. However, differentiating between key learning differences like learning
disabilities and learning difficulties was not a complex task for me. My observation and
knowledge are suggesting that learning disability is always associated with the whole
cognitive impairment whereas a learning difficulty never affects the general IQ of a person
(Burruss, Holt, & Bossler, 2019).
In my opinion, my learning related to LD suggests that each individual is highly
capable of social, emotional and academic growth (Bustamante, Greenfield, & Nayfeld,
2018). Thus, I believe that teachers, as well as educational institutions, must be dedicated to
designing instructional seminars and programs that foster every child’s optimal development
by using small group instructions and teachings (Chittick, 2020). Furthermore, I analysed that
learning disabilities often impact thousands of adults and children all across the world. On the
other hand, the definition of specific learning disability is that it is a neurological disorder
that affects more than one basic psychological processes indulged while understanding as
well as using written language. I also perceived that learning disability may also manifest
itself in the ability to think, read, listen, spell, and write or for doing mathematical
calculations (Early Years Careers, 2020).
Conclusion
In this way, I can now say that each person is with their learning differences and
hence we should respect them. The key difference between learning difficulties and learning
disabilities has been learned by me in detail. It has been found by researchers that people
having learning disabilities are of above-average intelligence than people without learning
disabilities. This is the reason that learning disabilities are referred to as hidden disabilities.
Furthermore, as per the learning differences principle, a learning difficulty can be cured

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whereas a learning disability cannot be fixed or cured and hence it is a challenge throughout
life. However, with the help of adequate support as well as on-time intervention, we can help
people with learning disabilities as well as difficulties to live a happy life forever.
References
Ash, S. L., & Clayton, P. H. (2014). The articulated learning: An approach to guided
reflection and assessment. Innovative Higher Education, 137-154.
Boud, D., Keogh, R., & Walker, D. (2013). Reflection: Turning experience into learning.
UK: Routledge.
Burruss, G. W., Holt, T. J., & Bossler, A. (2019). Revisiting the suppression relationship
between social learning and self-control on software piracy. . Social Science
Computer Review, 37(2), 178-195.
Bustamante, A., Greenfield, D., & Nayfeld, I. (2018). Early childhood science and
engineering: Engaging platforms for fostering domain-general learning skills.
Education sciences, 8(3), 144.
Chittick, K. (2020). Student Development: Meeting students where they are; Students with
learning difference. Retrieved from Feeris Edu:
http://fir.ferris.edu:8080/xmlui/bitstream/handle/2323/6484/KatharineChittrickPresent
ation2019.pdf?sequence=1
Early Years Careers. (2020). What are the Characteristics of Effective Learning? Retrieved
from Early Years Careers: https://www.earlyyearscareers.com/eyc/latest-news/what-
characteristics-effective-learning/