Benefits

• Using patient learning tools benefit the teacher as well as the students. Teachers benefit because they are able to bring more students into the fold of learning. Students benefit because they are able to have access to the same knowledge that their peers have access to. All parties benefit because test score standards are more easily met, students are able to move on to the next subject and next grade, and the overall atmosphere is better for everyone involved.
  
  

Identification

• Teachers must identify students who are in need of patient learning tools so that they can be used the most effectively. The students who need the learning tools the most will be students that get distracted easily by regular classroom activities. They will also be students who become frustrated with the normal running of coursework, and might grow angry because they are not able to keep up. They will be students who either have special needs, or who do not have special needs but aren't able to keep up with their peers when it comes to learning. Once a teacher has identified students who are in need of patient learning tools, she can implement the tools for those students.
  
  

Types

• There are several types of patient learning tools. First, teachers might allow extra time to complete assignments based on ability. Although many students might feel this is unfair, it doesn't have to be something that is broadcast to the class. Certain students can be allowed extra days to complete assignments, as long as the students are held accountable and as long as a work schedule is worked out between the teacher and students. Try setting individual due dates for the entire class, which will allow you to incorporate patient learning tools into your entire curriculum. Another type of patient learning tools is to use different assessments based on ability. Instead of one rubric used for the entire class, use several. If students are able to be graded within their own achievement possibility levels instead of within the achievement possibility levels of the entire class, they'll be apt to do better.
  
  

Considerations

• Once a student has been identified as needing patient learning tools, do not feel as if that student must always need them. Sometimes, especially if a student has something going on in their lives, students might need patient learning tools for only a small amount of time. Therefore, teachers should evaluate students on a regular basis.
  
  

Warning

• Don't fall into the trap of having lower expectations for students who need patient learning tools. Just because students need a bit longer to learn something doesn't mean that they will not be able to achieve at the same level.