Diversity and Learning Disabilities on Campus:
The Challenges for Exceptional Black Students
By
Dr. Williams Emeka Obiozor
Assistant Professor of Education & Exceptionality Programs
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
The Challenges for Exceptional Black Students
By
Dr. Williams Emeka Obiozor
Assistant Professor of Education & Exceptionality Programs
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Paper presented at the 15th Annual Sankofa Conference, at Kehr Union Conference Hall, Bloomsburg University campus, Saturday February 21, 2009.
Abstract
Abstract
Diversity issues and learning needs are important areas that all students should be cognizant of – irrespective of abilities and disabilities. When exceptional Black students encounter problems coping with diverse groups of students and professors, participating in various programs and activities on campus, and faced with learning needs in the classroom; issues of drop out and a wide gap in academic achievement of students becomes imminent.
Furthermore, teachers would be faced with instructional delivery problems and classroom disruption. The outcome of not dealing with diversity and learning difficulties of exceptional Black students in a college or university setting may result in: irregular class attendance, inactive participation in class, non-completion and submission of assignments on time, disruptive and homophobic remarks in class or in the dorms, test-taking problems, poor study skills, low self-esteem and low academic achievement.
This could be as a result of a ‘hidden’ learning disability. Just like students from other diverse groups, Black students need to recognize their potentials, learning needs and abilities, and participation in social and academic activities on campus.
a. How can exceptional Black students identify their learning abilities and disabilities in the classroom?
b. What is their understanding of campus diversity?
c. Where can they seek assistance or receive academic and related support services to deal academic and social problems on campus?
This paper addressed these issues, as well as provided information to exceptional Black students of higher institutions on the strategies to identify their learning problems in the classroom, deal with diversity issues, as well access support services available on campus to preventive frustration, classroom disruption, academic probation or dropout.
Key Words: Disability Education Diversity Black Students Support Services Retention Classroom Higher Institution Dropout Student Achievement Learning
