[nabs-l] Is It just Me: Academic Challenges

Mon Jul 18 22:20:06 UTC 2016

Hi Christina,

Let's see if I can add anything to this discussion.  My professors and
bosses have always accused me of working too quickly.  I never found
that I needed a lot (if any) extra time in undergrad or graduate
school when taking tests either online or in Braille.

Taking notes is your besty!  Seriously, I used to sit with my note
taker open and ready and listen to my textbooks or read them in
Braille.  I took notes either in my own words if I had energy or
copied lists of facts or random points if I thought I wouldn't
remember them later.  If you are reading and you come across a fact
you already know or one you believe to be obvious, don't you dare
write it down.  :)  Your brain has already got that, and it will save
you time if you simply write out what you won't remember later.  How
do you know what you don't remember?  Well, it comes down to knowing
yourself, knowing what you've studied before, and experiencing
forgetfulness in different subjects.  Do you forget numbers and dates?
 Do you have a difficult time with names?  Do you struggle with
concepts?  I understand concepts quickly but struggle to remember
little things like dates and names.

I often wished I could highlight and write all over my books, but it's
actually better for your memory to write it out while you're listening
or reading in Braille.  If the information goes into your brain in
multiple ways, then you will remember it better.  You can also use a
computer and screen reader if Braille isn't your thing, but beware
dividing your ears between your book and your screen reader.

Jameyann's suggestion to do something with your hands while reading is
great.  I do that if for some reason I did not wish to take notes.
You can also work on memorizing concepts while you're walking or
waiting.  Our Italian professor told us to go through verb
conjugations in our heads every hour.  Running down German, French,
and Italian vocab and grammar stuff in my head definitely kept me
sharp.  If you find gaps as you're reviewing it on your daily walks,
then you know where to go in the book next time you open it.  I
believe this could work with concepts in other fields in addition to
foreign languages.  I have little experience with ?STEM fields though.

As for articles, I don't know what your situation is with your DSS
office providing you with texts in electronic formats, but I used to
be quite clear about how I liked things formatted.  I preferred
folders with a chapter per file in HTML.  Word docs were also good.
Know which format will work the best, and ask for your texts in that
format.

I don't know what my secret is when it came to tests.  I had a harder
time with foreign language tests that were in grade one Braille,
especially because I had to read the Braille and then write out
answers on the computer.  I generally only needed like 15 extra
minutes or so.  I think the memorizing helped...  No, the first test
usually took a few minutes longer, and then after that, the formats
usually follow the same order.  That helps you know how to study.  If
you are prepared (or desperate), that test will go by in no time!  :)

I'll try to think of more...  Hope that helped a little.

On 7/18/16, Muzamil Ibrahim via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Christina, I agree. You discovered it right! If you want to give a more
> meaning to your work and aim for the higher grades, it should take you
> longer. This is true for sighted or for blind students. Time management is
> the very challenging for many college students, but, if you plan and
> prioritize your school work every day, I think you will satisfy with your
> work.
> Finding information is a little bit challenging. However, if you are working
> on your assignments and have your books in an electronic form using JAWS,
> open the chapter that you are working on and press control F to do the
> search, or, if you have digital talking book or Victor Reader Stream, you
> can book mark or highlight them so that you can easily find the information
> when you are working on your assignments. My other suggestion is that to
> take notes from your lectures.
>
> Happy to share my school experiences so please feel free to communicate,
> Muzamil,
>
> ----Original Message-----
> From: NABS-L [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Cricket
> Bidleman via NABS-L
> Sent: Monday, July 18, 2016 2:53 PM
> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
> Cc: Cricket Bidleman; Christina Moore
> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Is It just Me: Academic Challenges
>
> Christina,
>
> The answer to all of those questions is yes. It should be for everyone on
> this group, and if it's not, then we have a certifiable genius in our midst.
> Yes, assignments take longer, for a variety of reasons.
> Things can be harder to understand depending on the way you think.
> Contrary to popular disbelief, there are some blind people who think very
> visually. Yes, there are many challenges that come with being a blind
> student. Math, geometry, chemistry, physics, you name it. I was told, in
> fact, that I would not pass geometry because I'm blind. I took Honors
> Geometry my Freshman year of high school and passed both semesters with very
> very high A's.
>
> Any academic challenge can be overcome with just a little bit of innovation.
> I find that any solution is generally specific to the challenge though. The
> main issue is time management. Great job in pointing that out. Everyone
> manages time a little differently. I always do math first thing when I get
> home, and then work my way through to the easier subjects. I'm not saying
> you should do that. You have to find a system that works for you. Trial and
> error is a way of figuring that out. I always like to do easy stuff last
> because if I fall asleep, I won't have problems making up the work in the
> morning.
>
> And that's another problem. Sleep. For me, sleep is put on the back burner,
> but that's because I throw all my time and energy into academics. There are
> people who don't do that. And sleep is important.
> You just have to find the balance that works for you. If you're tired, don't
> be afraid to put things away and get some rest. If you don't, you just might
> fall asleep on your laptop. I've done that a lot, and yet I still ignore
> exhaustion like the plague.
>
> I realize this might not be the most helpful nonadvice in the world because
> I haven't been very specific. Feel free to get back to me on or off-list.
> I'll be happy to help however I can!
>
> Best,
> Cricket Bidleman
>
> On 7/18/16, Christina Moore via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> Hello Everyone,
>>
>> I am wondering if it is just me or do other blind people have
>> challenges academically that are due to their blindness.
>> Does anyone else find it challenging to search for information in a
>> textbook? Do you feel it takes longer for you to complete assignments
>> because it takes you longer to read information that is given to you
>> utilizing text-to-speech software? Does anyone else find it
>> challenging to take online tests/exams in the allotted time?
>> I know that is quite a few questions but I’m wondering if it is just
>> me or if other people have these experiences.
>> What do you do to manage your assignments, papers and research
>> articles/information?
>> Thanks for any and all responses.
>> Christina
>> P.S. If I am set to no mail will I receive the responses to this
>> question since I posted it?
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>
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-- 
Julie A. McGinnity
President, National Federation of the Blind Performing Arts Division,
Second Vice President, National Federation of the Blind of Missouri
"For we walk by faith, not by sight"
2 Cor. 7