Week 14: How do you learn best?

Week 14: August 10, 2024

How do you learn best?

Andrea,

For many, heading back into the classroom and becoming a student again will feel like riding a bicycle. A little wobbly at first, but cruising along in no time. For others, it may take a little more effort and support. We wanted to take this week to point out resources that may be helpful to neurodiverse students.

Not neurodiverse yourself? Increasingly, you will meet people with learning differences at work, as companies recognize the value of numerous perspectives in accomplishing their missions. Read to the end for ways you can support your neurodiverse classmates.

The 100 Week Sprint team

To-do's this week

Got 5 minutes? Check our compiled list of student services by MBA program.

Got 30 minutes? Make a list of the accommodations that will be necessary or helpful to you in your MBA experience.

Got an hour? Reach out to the Student Services or Diversity and Inclusion Office at your business school to discuss your needs.

What is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity refers to people whose brains function differently than most people. For instance, autism is a form of neurodiversity. It doesn't mean people are less intelligent...just that they may learn and function in different ways.

Neurodiversity is the new frontier of inclusion

As awareness grows for the unique contributions neurodiverse students can make to teams, business schools are stepping up their efforts to make sure all students have an equal playing field. MBA programs are recognizing that difference of thought can actually be a competitive advantage.

Leading the way are affinity groups like Access Johnson at Cornell that provides a space for neurodivergent and disabled students and their allies to come together. They provide targeted recruiting resources, networking with supportive alumni, and a space for students to share their experiences (or not).

Neurodiverse individuals can also reach out to their university's Student Services or Diversity and Inclusion office to receive support and accommodations:

Tutoring
Exam time accommodation
Rest breaks
Assistive technology
Medical or illness support
Alternative formats of course materials
Peer notetaker
Ability to record lectures

Ways you can help neurodiverse classmates

While the biggest way you can help your neurodiverse classmates is showing them patience and extending them grace, here are a few more ideas to consider:

Reach out to your school's Student Services office and sign up to be a Student Service Provider (ex. exam scribe, notetaker, visual descriptionist, etc.)
Join your school's DEI or disability club as an ally
If you feel some of your behaviors might classify as neurodiverse, talk to a doctor. More awareness of how your brain works will help you be more productive and less frustrated in the future. Again, neurodiverse isn't better or worse, just different. Exploring your own behaviors will help build empathy with others!
If you see a classmate exhibit behavior that surprises you, ask "Are you ok?", listen to their answer, and think the best of them, not the worst
When in groups with neurodiverse peers, focus on their strengths when considering their contributions to the team

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