The difference between temporary and persistent learning difficulties and how to deal with them

Many students experience learning difficulties at some point in their school life. These difficulties may be temporary or ongoing, and range in severity from mild to severe. Learning difficulties can affect any aspect of learning, including reading, writing, mathematics, spoken language, fine motor skills, and social skills.

What are learning difficulties?

Learning disabilities are a group of disorders that affect an individual's ability to acquire knowledge and academic skills in a normal way. These disorders are characterized by differences in the way the brain works, which hinders a person's ability to process information or use language, organization, or memory skills effectively. Learning disabilities are not attributed to:

• Low intelligence : People with learning disabilities may be very intelligent, but they have difficulty learning in the traditional way.
• Environmental or cultural deprivation : While environmental factors may affect academic achievement, they do not cause learning disabilities.
• Sensory or physical disabilities : Learning disabilities are different from vision, hearing, or movement problems. They relate to information processing, not sensory abilities.
• Learning disabilities vary in severity and nature : some students may have mild difficulties in only one area, while others may have more severe difficulties in multiple areas.
• Learning disabilities are not caused by lack of intelligence or laziness: Students with learning disabilities show normal intelligence, but have difficulty processing information in a typical way.
• Learning disabilities are not mental illnesses : however, they may sometimes be associated with mental illnesses or neurological disorders.

Types of learning difficulties

temporary learning difficulties

Temporary learning difficulties are short-term difficulties in learning resulting from external factors such as illness, stress, or change in environment. These difficulties usually disappear when the underlying cause is treated. Examples of temporary learning difficulties:

• Difficulty concentrating after the death of a family member : A student may have difficulty concentrating on his studies after the loss of a family member.
• Decline in academic performance due to illness : A student may experience a drop in grades after contracting an illness such as the flu.
• Difficulty adjusting to a new school : A student may have difficulty learning in a new school because of a new environment, new teachers, and new classmates.
• Transient learning difficulties vary in severity and duration. Some difficulties may last only a few days, while others may last for several weeks or months.
• It is important to distinguish between temporary learning difficulties and persistent learning difficulties. If learning difficulties persist for more than a few months, this may be a sign of an ongoing learning difficulty that requires specialized assessment and interventions.

Causes of temporary learning difficulties

There are many temporary causes that can lead to learning difficulties in students, the most important of which are:

Environmental and social causes

• Difficult living conditions such as poverty or domestic violence
• Lack of family attention and care
• Big life changes like moving to a new school

Psychological and emotional causes

• Psychological pressure, stress and anxiety
• Mood disorders such as depression
• Problems with self-confidence and motivation

Health and physical causes

• temporary injuries or illnesses
• malnutrition or sleep
• problems with vision or hearing

Educational reasons

• inappropriate teaching methods
• lack of previous basic skills
• Frequently changing curricula or teachers

These temporary causes can be treated and the student's performance can be improved if they are dealt with appropriately. Temporary learning difficulties may disappear with time if appropriate support and intervention are provided.

Signs of temporary learning difficulties

• Low academic achievement.
• Loss of interest in studying.
• Difficulty concentrating .
• Feeling frustrated or hopeless.
• Avoid academic tasks.
• Increased number of errors in homework.

Symptoms of temporary learning difficulties

Symptoms of temporary learning disabilities vary depending on the type of skill affected, but some general symptoms include:

In reading

• Difficulty decoding words
• slow and stumbling reading
• inability to understand text
• Repeat reading words or lines
• Loss of concentration while reading
• inability to remember what was read

In writing

• Difficulty spelling words
• frequent spelling mistakes
• illegible handwriting
• Difficulty organizing and writing thoughts
• slow typing
• Inability to complete written tasks

In mathematics

• Difficulty understanding mathematical concepts
• Difficulty solving math problems
• making repeated arithmetic errors
• slow to solve problems
• Difficulty remembering
• Inability to apply mathematical concepts in real life

In addition, some other general symptoms may appear, such as:

• Low academic achievement
• loss of interest in studying
• Difficulty concentrating
• feeling frustrated or hopeless
• Avoid academic assignments
• Increased number of errors in homework
• The severity of symptoms may vary from student to student.
• Some symptoms may appear temporarily while others last longer.

Tips for teachers to help students overcome temporary and persistent learning difficulties

There are specific ways teachers can help students overcome temporary learning difficulties :

Comprehensive Evaluation

• Identify the causes of difficulty by assessing the student's academic, psychological and social aspects.
• Communicate with family and other professionals to understand difficulties more deeply.

targeted intervention

• Design an individual teaching plan that targets the student's specific difficulties.
• Use a variety of teaching methods and adapt teaching materials to suit student needs.

Psychosocial support

• Providing psychological support and encouragement to the student to enhance his self-confidence and increase his motivation.
• Involving family and peers in the support process.

Collaborate with the school team

• Coordination with the psychological counselor, social worker and school administration.
• Sharing information and expertise to provide the best solutions for the student.

Continuous monitoring and evaluation

• Evaluate the effectiveness of existing strategies and use new methods when needed.
• Monitor student progress and adjust the teaching plan accordingly.

By implementing these practices, teachers can help overcome temporary and persistent learning difficulties and better ensure student success .

What are persistent learning difficulties?

Persistent learning difficulties are those that remain with the individual throughout his life, affecting his educational and professional path, and his ability to participate in daily life. Its types include:

• Dyslexia : Difficulty reading and understanding written texts.
• Dysgraphia : Difficulty writing and expressing ideas in writing.
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Difficulty concentrating and controlling behavior .
• Dyscalculia : Difficulty understanding and decoding mathematics.
• Visual learning disabilities : difficulty processing visual information.
• Auditory learning disabilities : difficulty processing auditory information.

Causes of persistent learning difficulties

There are several reasons why students may have persistent learning difficulties :

Genetic factors

• Some learning disabilities have a genetic basis, such as dyslexia and dyscalculia.
• These difficulties can be passed down through generations in some families.

Neurological and developmental problems

• Disorders of neurodevelopment and growth, such as autism spectrum disorders.
• Injuries or medical conditions during pregnancy or childbirth may affect neurodevelopment.

Environmental and educational factors

• Lack of appropriate educational and pedagogical support in the early stages.
• An educational environment that is not prepared for the needs of students with learning difficulties.

Psychological and social problems

• Psychological stress and behavioral disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
• Social and economic factors that may affect growth and learning.

Difficulties in diagnosis and early intervention

• Delay in accurate diagnosis of learning difficulties.
• Lack of training programs and specialized services in the early stages.

Understanding these multiple causes helps teachers and professionals design effective interventions and support for students with persistent learning difficulties.

Strategies for diagnosing temporary and persistent learning difficulties in the early stages

There are specific strategies that can be used to diagnose temporary and persistent learning difficulties in the early stages, in order to intervene early and effectively. Some of these strategies are:

Academic Achievement Assessment

• Diagnostic tests to measure reading, mathematics and writing.
• Observing the student's daily performance in the classroom.

Behavioral and psychological assessment

• Use behavioral measures to assess attention, concentration, and perception.
• Conduct psychological assessments to identify cognitive and emotional aspects.

Developmental and Neurological Assessment

• Identify any neurological disabilities or disorders that may affect learning.
• Examination of the student's neurological growth and development.

Review of educational and health records

• Study the student's educational and medical records to uncover background and history.
• Look for any factors that may have contributed to the development of learning difficulties.

Collaboration with family and teachers

• Consult with teachers to evaluate academic and behavioral performance in school.
• Obtaining information from the family about development and behavior at home.

Comprehensive Skills Assessment

This assessment includes assessment of a variety of skills, such as language skills, reading, writing, arithmetic, critical thinking, social, analytical, and organizational skills.

Sometimes a medical evaluation may be required to detect any health disorders that affect a student's ability to learn, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder.

Continuous monitoring

The student's performance should be monitored regularly and any changes in his behavior or academic performance should be noted, in order to identify any early signs of learning difficulties.

Using these strategies systematically helps in early diagnosis and identification of the types of learning difficulties that the student faces, which in turn enables the provision of appropriate interventions and services in the early stages.

The difference between diagnosing temporary and persistent learning difficulties

• Duration : Transient learning difficulties are short-term, while persistent learning difficulties are long-term.
• Severity : Transient learning difficulties are mild, while persistent learning difficulties are more severe.
• Causes : Temporary learning difficulties may be caused by environmental factors such as stress or illness , while persistent learning difficulties are caused by genetic or neurological factors.

The impact of persistent learning difficulties on the individual

• Academic impact : Individuals may have learning difficulties in school, which may lead to academic delay or failure.
• Social impact : Individuals may have difficulty interacting with peers, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
• Psychological impact: Individuals may experience feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-confidence.
• Occupational impact : Individuals may have difficulty finding suitable jobs, or may have difficulty finding and maintaining employment.

Temporary and persistent learning disabilities are a major challenge, but they are not impossible. With early diagnosis and appropriate interventions, individuals with learning disabilities can achieve success in their lives.

Support strategies for people with temporary and persistent learning difficulties

There are many strategies that can be followed to support people with temporary and persistent learning difficulties. Here are some effective strategies:

• Allocate time and organize well : Students may benefit from allocating extra time to complete academic assignments and tests, and a quiet, organized learning environment can be provided that facilitates concentration.
• Use of assistive technology : Interactive educational applications, programs, and assistive technologies can be used to support students in improving their academic skills and making the learning process easier for them.
• Providing constructive feedback and individual support : Feedback can be given individually to each student to improve their academic performance. Individual support can also be provided to students by teachers or educational counselors.
• Use multiple learning techniques : Multiple learning opportunities should be provided using different methods and means , such as written, visual, audio and interactive materials, to meet the diverse needs of students.
• Providing academic guidance and counseling : Teachers and school counselors can provide academic guidance and counseling to students to help them identify personal and academic goals and develop plans to achieve them.
• Developing organisational and planning skills: Students should be provided with support in developing organisational and planning skills to help them manage their time effectively and organise their academic tasks.
• Cooperative learning and small groups : Students can be organized into small groups for cooperative learning, where students can support each other and share knowledge and skills .
• Providing psychological and emotional support: Students should be provided with a supportive and warm environment, and psychological and emotional support should be provided to help them deal with academic challenges and enhance their openness to benefit from lessons.

Teachers' Responsibility for Identifying Temporary and Persistent Learning Difficulties

The responsibility of teachers to identify those with temporary and persistent learning difficulties is very important to ensure that these students are provided with the necessary support and achieve their academic success . Here are some of the responsibilities that teachers must assume in this regard:

• Continuous observation and monitoring : Teachers should monitor students' performance regularly and look for any signs that indicate learning difficulties, such as difficulties with understanding, presentation, or concentration.
• Communicating with students and parents : Teachers should communicate with students and parents on a regular basis to talk about their academic performance and inquire about any difficulties they may be experiencing in learning.
• Use multiple learning technologies : Teachers should use a variety of educational technologies and media to ensure that all students access the course content in a way that suits their individual needs.
• Providing individual support and guidance : Teachers should provide individual support and guidance to students who have learning difficulties, including providing additional guidance and providing educational plans that are tailored to their specific needs.
• Collaborating with academic and specialist experts : Teachers should collaborate with academic and specialist experts in the field of learning difficulties to provide the necessary support and guide them on how to provide the best support for affected students.
• Training and professional development : Teachers should seek training and professional development opportunities to enhance their skills in identifying and supporting students with learning disabilities.
• Identifying people with learning disabilities is an ongoing process that requires close monitoring by teachers and collaboration with others.
• Teachers need to be aware of the different signs of learning difficulties, and be able to recognize them early.
• Teachers should be aware of the services available for individuals with learning disabilities and be able to refer students and parents to these services.

As an essential part of the support team working to ensure student success , teachers must have the ability to recognize learning disabilities and provide appropriate support to meet the needs of each student in the classroom.

Adapting Curricula for Learning Disabilities Students

Adapting curricula is an essential step to ensuring that students with learning disabilities receive a comprehensive education that meets their individual needs and enables them to succeed.

Curriculum Adaptation Principles

• Deep understanding of learning difficulties : Teachers must understand the type and severity of learning difficulties each student has so that they can adapt curricula appropriately.
• Diversity in teaching methods : Teachers should use a variety of teaching methods that meet the different learning needs of students.
• Provide practical learning opportunities : Teachers should provide practical learning opportunities that help students apply what they have learned.
• Use of assistive technology : Teachers should use assistive technology such as e-readers and voice recognition software to support students with learning disabilities.
• Communication with parents : Teachers should communicate with parents on a regular basis to discuss students' progress and needs.

Curriculum adaptation strategies

• Modifying content : Curriculum content can be modified to suit the needs of students with learning difficulties, by breaking information into smaller parts, providing concrete examples, and using simple and clear language.
• Modifying assessment methods : Assessment methods can be modified to suit the needs of students with learning difficulties, by using oral or open-ended tests, providing additional time to complete tasks, and providing a quiet environment for testing.
• Providing additional support opportunities : Additional support opportunities can be provided for students with learning difficulties, through individual educational programs, remedial lessons, and therapeutic activities.
• Develop individual educational plans that take into account the needs and goals of each student.
• Involve students and their families in the planning and implementation process.
• Use alternative assessment methods such as oral tests or projects.
• Create a calm, supportive, distraction-free learning environment.
• Adapting curriculum is an ongoing process that requires teachers to continually assess student progress and adjust their strategies as needed.
• Curriculum adaptation should be consistent with students' individual treatment plans.

Tips for Adapting Curricula for Students with Learning Disabilities

• Taking into account individual differences : There is no single way to adapt curricula that suits all students with learning difficulties. Teachers must take into account individual differences among students when adapting curricula.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team: Teachers must collaborate with a multidisciplinary team that includes special education specialists, therapists, and parents to effectively adapt curricula.
• Active student participation : Teachers should involve students in the process of adapting the curriculum , by taking their opinions and needs into account.

The role of the family in helping students with temporary and persistent learning difficulties

The role of the family in helping students with temporary and persistent learning difficulties is of utmost importance. There are several ways that the family can contribute:

For temporary learning difficulties

• Continuous communication with the school and teachers to follow up on the student's progress.
• Providing support and encouragement at home for the student during a period of difficulty.
• Help with homework and organizing study schedules.
• Coordinate with the school to provide appropriate facilities and modifications for the student.

For persistent learning difficulties

• Participate in the student's diagnosis and evaluation process.
• Cooperate with the school in developing the student’s individual educational plan.
• Providing psychological and social support to the student at home.
• Help develop the student's learning and study skills.
• Monitoring the student’s progress and continuous communication with the school and specialists.

Career and academic guidance support

• Assistance in choosing the appropriate educational and career path for the student.
• Encourage the student to explore his own abilities and interests.
• Providing a home environment that supports the student’s development and achievement of his goals.

Active family involvement in helping students with learning difficulties contributes greatly to their academic and personal success and enhances cooperation and coordination between educational institutions and families.

Strategies to help students with learning difficulties

• Identifying strengths and weaknesses : The family must identify the child’s strengths and weaknesses, and focus on his strengths to enhance his self-confidence.
• Setting realistic goals : The family should set realistic and achievable goals for the child, and divide them into small steps.
• Motivation and reward : The family must motivate the child and reward him for every achievement he makes, no matter how small.
• Patience and perseverance : The family must be patient and persevering, because overcoming learning difficulties requires time and effort.
• Providing social support : The family must provide social support for the child, by helping him join support groups or social activities.
• The family must realize that learning difficulties are not a defect, and that the child is able to succeed despite these difficulties.
• The family should also involve the child in the decision-making process related to his education.

What are the best practices that help families develop self-regulation skills in students?

Developing self-regulation skills in students with temporary and persistent learning difficulties is one of the most important tasks that families can help with. There are several best practices that families can follow to achieve this:

Develop daily habits and routines

• Dividing tasks and responsibilities among family members.
• Create a daily schedule for home and school activities.
• Encourage the student to follow up and adhere to the schedule.

Enhance organizational and planning skills

• Help the student set realistic goals and plans to achieve them.
• Teaching the student time management and task management skills .
• Encourage students to use organizational tools such as tables and lists.

Building focus and attention skills

• Establish a quiet, distraction-free study environment.
• Training the student on concentration and relaxation techniques.
• Encourage the student to prioritize tasks.

Promote motivation and independence

• Involving the student in setting plans and goals .
• Provide support and encouragement as tasks are completed.
• Giving the student the opportunity to take initiative and rely on himself.

Develop problem solving skills

• Encourage students to think critically and ask questions.
• Teaching the student problem-solving strategies in a systematic way.
• Helping the student gain practical experience in solving problems.

Following these practices in the home environment will help students develop the self-regulation skills necessary for their academic and personal success.

What are common challenges a family may face?

There are some common challenges that families may face when trying to implement these best practices to develop self-regulation skills in students:

Change in routine and household habits

• It can be difficult for a family to change a stable daily routine.
• The student may have difficulty adjusting to the changes and sticking to the new schedule.

Lack of motivation and independence in the student

• The student may be accustomed to relying on others to complete tasks.
• A student may feel confused or frustrated when faced with new challenges.

Lack of skills and knowledge among parents

• Parents may not have sufficient knowledge of self-regulation skills development practices.
• They may have difficulty implementing these practices effectively.

Lack of time and adequate support

• The family may have other obligations that limit their ability to focus on these practices.
• They may need extra support from school or other experts.

Difficulties related to the student himself

• Some students may have learning difficulties or psychological disorders that affect their ability to self-regulate.
• They may need additional interventions and resources to develop these skills.

Recognizing these challenges and planning how to address them will help families successfully implement these practices and achieve desired student outcomes.

The role of Madrasa.com in helping students with temporary and persistent learning difficulties

The Madrasa.com platform is an electronic educational tool that can play an important role in helping students with temporary and ongoing learning difficulties. The school provides many services, including:

• Providing distinguished educational content : The Madrasa.com platform provides distinguished educational content that is consistent with the school curricula, and includes interactive videos, assessment tests, and various educational activities.
• Personalize Learning : The Madrasa.com platform enables teachers to personalize learning to the needs of each student, by creating individual learning plans, setting specific learning goals , and tracking student progress on a regular basis.
• Self-learning : The Madrasa.com platform allows students to learn independently anytime and anywhere, helping them learn at a pace that suits their abilities and needs.
• Interact with teachers and colleagues : The Madrasa.com platform allows students to interact with teachers and colleagues through discussion forums, instant chats, and work groups.
• Learning Disabilities Aids : The Madrasa.com platform provides learning disabilities aids , such as e-readers, voice recognition programs, and translation tools.

Teachers must use the Madrasa.com platform effectively to ensure that students with learning difficulties get the desired benefit.

Temporary and persistent learning difficulties are part of everyone's normal learning experience . Temporary challenges occur when a person has difficulty understanding a particular concept or mastering a new skill. These challenges are often caused by temporary factors such as stress, personal pressures, or ineffective presentation.

On the other hand, there may be persistent learning difficulties, which may be associated with learning difficulties that persist for long periods, and may be due to multiple causes such as specific learning difficulties, attention disorders, or dyslexia.

These challenges require a deep understanding of the individual and their educational needs, and may require specialized intervention by teachers and learning specialists to provide the necessary support. In addition, modern technology and innovative educational techniques can provide effective solutions to help individuals overcome these challenges and improve their experience in the learning process.

In short, understanding temporary and persistent learning difficulties helps direct efforts towards providing appropriate support for each individual, enhancing their chances of success and achieving their full potential in learning.