INTASC 2. Learning Differences

The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.

 

     It is critical for a social studies teacher to understand that all learners learn differently. I have learned this year that a sixth grade student learns much differently than a tenth grade student. I have also learned that even within the same class there are major learning differences among students. Also, no matter what grade level, there can be diverse range of students from different cultures. It is important to take all of these factors into account when I plan lessons and teach.

     I have learned about learning differences through my time in the education program. Particularly of note I had to start designing lessons to accommodate learning differences in my Content Area Literacy class. I had to design a lesson to help accommodate struggling readers (See Evidence 1). I had to continue to take into account learning differences during my Fall internship when I had to design a lesson on absolute monarchy in France (See Evidence 2). For that lesson I had the honors class do an extra activity by reading a primary source excerpt on the Edict of Nantes. In the Spring I had to continue to take into account learning differences among my classes. For one of my classes I would usually give them completed frames and unit organizers to help them in comprehending the material (See Evidence 3). The rest of the classes I would have them copy down the frames and unit organizers in order to help them in comprehending the material.

     Learning differences is something that I will continue to have to take into major consideration when I plan for instruction when I teach in the future. I will continue to provide students with a variety of activities to help accommodate those learning differences. I will also continue to make sure I make modifications as needed to assignments or activities to help accommodate special needs and honors level learners. It will also be important for me in the future to help accommodate the experiences of learners from different cultures into my classroom; as students from different cultures have a variety of unique experiences to share in the classroom.

 

Evidence