SIMPLE MODELS FOR TEACHING AND TESTING VISUALLY IMPAIRED STUDENTS IN AN INTRODUCTORY PHYSICAL GEOLOGY LABORATORY COURSE

Teaching introductory geology to visually impaired students is challenging, but not difficult. Many concepts presented in typical laboratory exercises are easily conveyed through tactile models, three-dimensional models, and through the use of Disability Support Services (DSS) interpreters/assistants. Faculty members in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) have been employing simple, inexpensive methods for 15+ years. The most effective models utilized to convey features such as geologic structures, topographic contour lines, landforms, cultural features and even simple graphs can be constructed from offset-printer aluminum sheets, modeling clay, and with Puff™ paint and Hi-Mark™ paint. A key element in the construction of these models is simplicity. For each model, only features demonstrating the specific concept should be included in the enhancement. As an example, to calculate topographic relief (highest elevation minus lowest elevation of a given area) not all contour lines should be enhanced. Instead, a contour interval that allows the student to differentiate the individual elements of the model should be chosen. Testing strategies must balance the realities of the students’ limitations with fairness. In other words, a sighted student can see and locate the elements needed to determine relief (contours lines and the contour interval) on the map, whereas a visually impaired student cannot. For a visually impaired student this process must be converted to verbal steps. The use of DSS interpreters/assistants (particularly those that have never had the course previously) comes in handy here, because the student must explain the concept to their assistant (or instructor) before being directed to the enhanced elements on the map. The initial time commitment involved in developing these models is well worth it, as they often help all students enrolled in our Physical Geology courses.