All students are different and therefore all learn in different ways. We, as humans, have different strengths in different areas. An example of this could be a child being a phenomenal reader, but having trouble adding fractions together. I wouldn't assume just because the child is strong in one area their going to be just as strong in another. Choosing the way in which you teach lessons has an impact on the way the child perceives that information. That is why it is, in my opinion, very critical to make a personal connection with each of your students in order to get a better sense of their understandings of things and track and monitor their signs of progress or standstills.
There are many ways instruction can be differentiated for diverse learners. Using multiple means of representation when presenting information is one way. Examples of this include graphs and diagrams, tables and grids, formulas, and symbols. Another way instruction can be differentiated is through multiple means of expression for students to show what they have learned. Examples of this include the option to express themselves orally or in written text, storytelling, role-play demonstrations and drawing. Using multiple means of engagement is also a way to differentiate instruction for students to make meaningful connections. Some ways to do this are optimizing individual choices, minimizing distractions, and promoting expectations and beliefs that optimize motivation. Only using one learning style in the classroom can prohibit a child's success and put a limit on what they think they can and can't do. Working with the way individual students learn will increase the chances of the student grasping the concept.
Hey Kady! I really liked that you shared a lot of different examples of different methods/tools to teach. I agree! The method of teaching has a great impact on the students’ perception of the content, so if one method doesn’t work, it shouldn’t go back on the child, it should just show the educator that they need to present the information in another way that better suits that child’s learning style. Personal connections with your students are so important to be able to recognize what’s failing and what’s helping. In my personal experience, I know that occasional 1-on-1 help really improved my learning experience when I wasn’t understanding something when it was first presented. Without the personal connection and feeling of safety, a student may not feel comfortable sharing that they need more help. I liked your inclusion of promoting individual choice in your classroom, as it helps the student’s academic independence develop and it will greatly help them as they continue on in their education.
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to read and respond to my post! I like that you included your own experience as to how this type of teaching has helped you personally. I also liked that you mentioned how the method you used not working should never go back on the child. I fully agree!
DeleteGreat explanation! I agree and by not applying the individual needs of a student, it could really affect their educational experience. That connection is important because it makes them know you care and that it is okay to not be like the others, that everyone just learns differently but is capable of learning the same things. By using those different methods, students may also find better ways for them to learn things. It opens their mind to seeing things differently and finding who they are as a student.
ReplyDeleteHi Kady! You did an amazing job on your post! I completely agree with what you said about making a personal connection with our students. It is our jobs as teachers to make sure we are taking the time to understand the way that each student needs to be taught, in order to make sure each student is equally educated. If a teacher chose not to get to know each of their students, a student may have a certain learning strategy that they learn best from that the teacher does not know about. I believe as teachers we need to make sure we are making accommodations for each student because at the end of the day, each student learns completely differently. A learning strategy that may work on one student, could be awful to another. Teaching is all about learning as we go. Overall, you did a great job on your blog!!
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