WHAT ARE THE MAIN DIFFERENCES IN APPROACH TO SUPPORTING INTERNATIONAL AND MOE STUDENTS?
By Julie Perkins, Educational Therapist, Senior Tutor
Before I answer the question, I think it’s important to recognise that identifying the learning differences is the starting point, and the main guidance is the IEP.
1. DEVELOPING THE IEP – THE FIRST STEP IN SUPPORTING ALL STUDENTS
The IEP (Individualised Educational Plan) is developed for each and every student at DAS International. This is done by the specialist teacher for every single student regardless of their background.
2. PSYCHOLOGIST’S ASSESSMENT
At the start of their journey with us, most students come with a report from an Educational Psychologist. We will thus be alerted to any official diagnoses such as dyslexia and the presence of co-morbidities such as ADHD or dysgraphia. Additionally, there will be an insight into areas of strength and weakness, information about learning style and details of any recommended accommodations.
3. DISCUSSION WITH PARENTS
This important meeting is instrumental in filling in background information and highlighting issues such as family dynamics and circumstances eg, the work patterns of parents. Additionally, any health or other developmental issues are flagged up and we learn the level of support that can be offered by the parents and/or other service providers. This meeting is extremely important because the parents are able to update us in real-time on issues being faced. This meeting with parents is especially crucial when onboarding international students to the programme because we need access to information about how the child is coping, especially if they are recently transitioned to Singapore.
4. INFORMAL ASSESSMENT
This assessment is conducted in the classroom by the specialist teacher, we are able to collect important information on where to start remediation at a practical level. We also gather information about the student’s personality and behaviour through conversations and other interactive means. So how would I vary my approach for International vs MOE students once the initial assessment is complete and the IEP is drawn up?
International students are found at both international schools and, to a much lesser extent in MOE schools. Based on my experience, I will be focussing on international students placed at international schools. What are the unique situations faced by international students and how to approach them? First, I am going to talk about five situations that make the academic and remediation environment different for international students compared to MOE students. I will also explain how this informs my approach when working with international students.
About the writer
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JULIE PERKINS Educational Therapist, Specialist Tutor Queenstown Learning Centre Julie originates from the UK. After she qualified for her BSc in Psychology she then went on to qualify as a chartered accountant and worked in various high-level roles in the Banking and Finance industry before moving to Singapore in 2002. After spending a number of years raising her family in Singapore she joined DAS as an Educational Therapist in 2016. |