ENHANCING ACCESS FOR STUDENTS WITH VISUAL DISABILITIES THROUGH EMBED METHODOLOGY: METHODS AND DISCOURSE IN HISTORICAL RESEARCH FINDINGS

Geological testing in writing a textbook on how to teach with EMBed methodology (Examples, Maps, and Body) has shown that dynamic approaches have been successful in working with students with visual disabilities. Based on previous GSA presentations, this EMBed teaching methodology has assisted geoscience instructors think “outside the box” in geologic instruction. Demonstrating improved methods, and revised older ones, with new equipment in an archeological field school has shown that teaching students with disabilities have changed historically and today. By using new tools for instruction, such as pXRF (Portable X-ray Fluorescence) and field instruction using EMBed has improved students’ cognitive skills in understanding stratigraphy, archeology and various geologic theories. This presentation will address how EMBed methods have been used to provide enhanced access to content for students with visual, learning and other disabilities.