Teaching Strategies for Students who have a speech impairment

Speech impairments range from problems with articulation or voice strength to complete voicelessness. They include difficulties in projection such as chronic hoarseness and aeosophagal speech; fluency problems such as stuttering and stammering; and the nominal aphasia that alters the articulation of particular words or terms.

Some of these difficulties can be managed by such mechanical devices as electronic speaking machines or computerised voice synthesisers. Others may be treated through speech therapy. All of them can be aggravated by the anxiety inherent in oral communication in front of a group.

Patience is the most effective strategy in teaching students with speech impairments. The following suggestions may also be appropriate and helpful

· Giving students the opportunity, without compelling them, to speak in class.
Permitting students the time they require to express themselves without unsolicited aid to fill in gaps in their speech. Do not be reluctant to ask the student to repeat a statement.

· Addressing students naturally. Do not fall into the 'spread phenomenon' trap by assuming that they cannot hear or comprehend.

· Where appropriate, considering course modifications, such as one-to-one presentations and the use of a computer with a voice synthesiser.


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