Affective Education and the Learning Disabled Student

Abstract

Professionals in the field of learning disabilities have developed an extensive list of characteristics to describe the population. Among them there can usually be found some reference to poor self-concept or some statement referring to inadequate social or emotional development. A variety of teaching techniques and programs has been developed to ameliorate the various academic difficulties of learning disabled children. Considerably less attention has been given to the development of programs or techniques to enhance the social and emotional development of the learning disabled. This month, a guest writer, Marian Shelton, PhD, shares our column and focuses on six components necessary for planning a successful program for affective education. Following her contribution, the editors examine four programs and materials designed to enhance the self-concept and general social and emotional growth in children. Though none of the materials reviewed in this column were developed specifically for the learning disabled population, all can easily be adapted for use with children with a wide variety of learning and behavior problems. — C.V.E., B.W.