Reading in Physics

I mostly agree with the other posts this week in regards to a student that is physically incapable of reading. Accommodations should be made for the student. Simple things like providing notes online for text-to-speech software to read and providing universally meaningful explanations, and providing equivalent oral exams can easily facilitate inclusion.

In the case of students with dyslexia or other reading disabilities or deficiencies I think there is still many steps that could and should be taken. Thankfully physics as a subject can be presented largely outside the constrains of a written explanation. Ideally it is something shown, experienced, and explained almost completely with the language of mathematics. Of course even with this in mind, reading is some part of almost any instruction or explanation. I think the text-to-speech software that benefits the visually impaired can equally benefit those with dyslexia or other reading disabilities. By simply providing an electronic source for the notes and texts, students could take the time they need on their own to adsorb the material.

I don't think it is my place as a physics teacher to penalize any student for his or her deficiencies in reading. I would try to make sure each student has the access to resources that would make it possible to learn the material.