The following academic tips should assist you in working with students who have a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in post-secondary education.

Academic Tips

• Provide a hard copy of your course syllabus on the first day of class

• Provide copies of instructor notes or PowerPoint presentations

• Make your expectations clear. Say, "I expect you to..."

• Give directions one step at a time and provide them in writing

• Give written reminders of assignments and test dates

• Give examples to go with new ideas and concepts

• Inform student in advance of any changes, give details

• Give many opportunities to practice and demonstrate skill mastery

• Understand the student's level of fatigue

• Reduce visual and auditory distractions

• Recommend a reduced course load

• Recommend online courses, incompletes or hybrid classes when absences are excessive

• Be firm and clear with absence policy and give frequent reminders

• Suggest dropping a class or two if academic load is too heavy

• Suggest recording meetings outside of class to improve memory retention

• Preferential seating can make these students more comfortable

• Be tolerant of frequent visits, questions, and concerns