Which strategy should a school psychologist suggest to help a student who struggles with following oral directions but performs well on written assignments?

Using visual and written supports to supplement instruction is a highly effective strategy for a student who finds it challenging to follow oral directions yet excels in written assignments. The essence of this approach lies in recognizing that the student may have different strengths and preferences when it comes to learning modalities. By incorporating visual aids—such as charts, diagrams, or pictures—and written instructions, the student can have additional resources that align more closely with their demonstrated strengths in written tasks.

This dual-mode support allows the student to have a clearer understanding of the material, as visual and written information can enhance comprehension and recall. For example, if oral directions are supplemented with a visual representation of the steps involved in a task, the student might find it easier to process the information and execute the instructions successfully.

This approach not only addresses the immediate challenge of following oral directions but also fosters independence, as the student learns to rely on visual and written supports as tools for completing various tasks. In this way, the strategy promotes better engagement and understanding, ultimately leading to improved academic performance.