General Topics

The trainings listed here as General are topics which refer to learning problems without regard to age.  Although the manifestation of learning problems does differ according to different stages of a person’s life, the focus of these training sessions is on the broad-spectrum topic and inclusive to all ages.

G-300 Characteristics of Learning Differences:  This training session details how individuals with learning differences, problems and disabilities think and learn.  The behavioral manifestation of the characteristics of perception, processing and communication problems are outlined and illustrated.  Visual, auditory and motor skills problems are described along with problems with reversals, attention, organization and sequencing.  This is the most popular of Dr. Cooper's training sessions and provides the basis for recognizing differences and adapting instruction to meet individual needs.

G-305 Assessment of Learning Problems:  Participants in this session learn about the many methods that are used to assess learning problems.  Sample test reports will be shown and the significance of the test scores will be discussed.  The presenter will discuss the "red flag" indicators, which may cause one to refer individuals for a formal assessment.  Particular attention will be paid to the behavioral manifestations of learning problems enabling educators and parents to identify patterns of thought that make learning different or difficult.

G-380 Cooper Screening of Information Processing (C-SIP)—Introduction:  In this training session, Dr. Cooper discusses how the screening was developed and the rational for each of its sections.  He then goes through each of the sections in the screening, explaining how to administer the screening to various types of students, using examples from his extensive experience.  He also describes how to interpret the information obtained from the screening to find various processing differences. 

G-381 Cooper Screening of Information Processing (C-Sip)—Demonstration:  In this training session, Dr. Cooper administers the screening to a student or a volunteer from the audience to demonstrate how the screening can be used as a diagnostic teaching tool.  He demonstrates scoring the screening using the Excel Scoring Assistant and explains the results.  Participants work in teams to prepare an educational or employment plan from the demonstration screening and other sample screenings. 

G-382 Avoidance Styles and Activities:  This training explores the reasons why so many individuals with learning differences avoid the very tasks they say they want to do.  Participants learn how to identify avoidance behaviors and are provided with suggestions about what they can do to help students break avoidance patterns.

G-455 Using Mnemonics to Help Students who Learn Differently:  Participants of this training are informed about how to use mnemonics to assist students with learning material in a variety of subjects, such as math, reading, writing, spelling, and subject content areas.  Besides learning about the importance of and how to utilize mnemonics, participants will practice developing mnemonics.  

G-460 If They Think Differently, Shouldn't They Study Differently:  This training session explores how learning differences impact study skills.  Alternative study skills, those that individuals with various learning  problems  have  found  useful, will  be demonstrated and discussed. Participants will receive copies of study aids that enable students to become more efficient and effective at studying.  

G-462 Planning Tips and Techniques for You and Your Students: In this training session, participants are provided with tips and techniques for becoming more efficient and effective especially in academic settings.  The presenter will provide participants with a number of self-assessment tools to determine how well one focuses on important tasks, whether one is avoiding important tasks, and how one is using time.  Participants will explore attitudes about planning, the elements of planning, and styles of planning.   

G-465 Helping Students Reduce Test Anxiety: Test anxiety is a problem for many students with learning differences.  This training session demonstrates a variety of techniques to help students prepare for and take tests.  These include learning how to teach students relaxation and study skills and when to implement accommodations.  Techniques for analyzing test taking problems will also be demonstrated.

G-530 Instructional Techniques for Individuals with Weak Writing Skills: Participants will experiment with the various techniques in an interactive workshop that emphasizes alternative ways to teach writing skills.  The activities will include techniques to help learners understand and use the structure of language.  Writing exercises that help learners to develop their ideas and organize their thoughts will be demonstrated.  Strategies for motivating reluctant writers to write more will also be discussed.   

G-740 Helping Learners Increase Math Problems-Solving Skills and Quantitative Concepts: This session provides information about why individuals with learning differences have difficulty learning math concepts and developing problem-solving skills.  The presenter will discuss techniques for helping adult learners to develop these math skills.  Participants will engage in activities that will demonstrate the techniques that the presenter has found helpful for teaching quantitative concepts and problem solving.   

G-750 Tic Tac Toe Math: The Tic Tac Toe Math system, developed by Dr. Cooper, has proven to be a very effective technique for individuals with learning differences.  Many adult students have attributed their success with passing the math section of the GED to Tic Tac Toe Math.  This training teaches the system and demonstrates how to teach it to adults and children who have not been able to memorize the times tables.  

G-751 Advanced Tic Tac Toe Math – The Cube:  This training is designed for individuals who already know the Tic Tac Toe Math system.  Participants will learn how to make the Tic Tac Toe Grids for 30 positions rather than the nine positions of Tic Tac Toe Math.  Dr. Cooper explains the patterns in the cube and demonstrates how students can use the Cube for understanding multiples, fractions and percentages.  

G-755 Using Patterns, Mnemonics, and Memory Clues for Teaching Math: This presentation will provide the participants with ideas on how to make and use easy-to-remember patterns, mnemonics and memory clues for helping individuals who have weak math skills.  These instructional techniques can be used for teaching number facts and math operations.  Participants will have an opportunity to experiment with the techniques.    

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