Learning Differences

Leslie Walker - Secondary English

A teacher understands the background of the individual learner and uses them to aid in the learning process — like topics of interest.

Learning differences are crucial within a classroom. One must understand that one child might be diagnosed with ADHD and figets constantly, while another may freak out over the sound of a door slamming. By understanding how the students learns, the continuation of the lesson is more likely to flow better. 

Artifacts:
1.) When understanding a student, one must also nudge them a little to get outside of their comfort zone. I think group work is an excellent idea. Being in groups of 3 or 4 allow the child to not stress over talking to the entire class, and I would talk to groups individually about the topics of discussion. Say the topic is a poem by Emily Dickinson — I would place the students in the prospective groups with guided questions. They then would have to collaborate together to answer them. Each group would have students who have different ideas, and they would have to find a way to include all the differences that each student offers in the finial presentation of the answers.

2.)  I think it is extremely important to practice the things you learn, but bringing it home could cause more stress. I would dedicate time slots in class (ex. as close to the end of the day as possible) to focus on the practice material where they could ask questions without judgement. Students may have a job, participate in sports, or travel far to get to school, so by having this time, they are allowed to have me present to help guide them with the work that is troubling them.

Example: The elective sectionhttp://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8Hv6PM6nTQ will be dedicated to focusing on the material learned that day. (received from https://www.quotemaster.org/block+scheduling#&gid=1&pid=17)

3.) A classroom that is movable gives the student the ability to find comfort in the learning environment. This allows students to engage in work in ways that they feel comfortable. For example, having a carpet to lay on, beanbag chairs, a few tables, lap desk, etc. With the space being as comforting as a classroom can be, the students has the freedom to work in a space that benefits them. 

Here is a video that helps reinforce the examples I have mentioned — http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8Hv6PM6nTQ