The topic for this reflection journal focuses on adapting the curriculum and effective teaching strategies. Part A of the journal will investigate and explain Differentiated Instruction, The Universal Design for Learning as well as the Response to Instruction Model. These three approaches will aid teachers in developing a learning environment designed to maximise teaching and learning and make the curriculum accessible to all learners. Part B specifically relates to the advantages and difficulties I may encounter, as a new teacher, during the implementation stages of these models.
Part A
Discuss in detail ways that teachers can set up the learning environment in order to maximise teaching and learning.
There are a variety of approaches teachers may use to help guide and inform their planning to ensure diversity is catered for in all aspects of the classroom environment. Three of the most inclusive approaches to teaching and learning have been examined in further detail below. Although these approaches vary slightly in some aspects, they all maintain the same uniform goal. That is to ensure all learners regardless of diversity, have access to a meaningful, relevant curriculum that allows them to showcase their individual skills and experience success at multiple points along the learning continuum.
Differentiated Instruction
A constant struggle for inclusive education teachers is providing a unique, meaningful curriculum that’s focuses on each individual student’s strengths and learning profiles. At the same time teacher’s are under pressure to meet rigorous assessment and reporting frameworks. Differentiated Instruction emphasises the need for students to participate in an education that addresses rigorous conte...
... middle of paper ...
... and experienced by each of the students. In doing so, new knowledge and understandings will be reinforced for each of the students.
Works Cited
Ashman, A., & Elkins, J. (2009). Education for Inclusion and Diversity – 3. Pearson
Education Australia: Australia.
Chapman, C., & King, R. (2005). 11 Practical Ways to Guide Teachers Toward
Differentiation (and an Evaluation Tool). Journal of Staff Development, 26 (4), 20- 25.
Lewis, S.G., & Batts, K. (2005). How to Implement Differentiated Instruction?. Journal of
Staff Development, 26 (4), 26-31.
McTighe, J., & Brown, J.L. (2005). Differentiated Instruction and Educational Standards: Is
Détente Possible?. Theory into Practice, 44 (3), 234-244.
Pisha, B., & Coyne, P. (2001). Smart from Start, the Promise of Universal Design for
Learning. Remedial and Special Education, 22 (4), 197-203.
However, through the passage of legislation, decisions handed down from courts, and a shift in societal mores, it is clear that such an approach will no longer be allowed. Education today is an institution that must meet the needs of all learners without exception. In response to this new belief structure, teachers have two choices: adapt the lessons they plan to meet these needs, or design the lessons universally from the start. The former approach is common, but proponents of universal design for learning hope that will change as acceptance of the latter grows. These proponents argue that universa...
Sands, D., Kozleski, E., & French, N. (2000). Inclusive education for the 21st century: A new
Richards, H., V., Brown, A., F., Forde, T., B. (2006). Addressing diversity in schools: culturally responsive pedagogy. Retreived March 30th 2014from http://www.nccrest.org/Briefs/Diversity_Brief.pdf
Peterson, J. Michael and Hittie, Marie Michael. Inclusive Teaching : Creating Effective Schools for All Learners. Pearson Publishing. (2003)
Differentiated Instructional Strategies; A Book Report Introduction Since the emergence of life on the earth, man has always been eager to learn something new. Be it how to get heat from light or how make tools by sharpening the stones with the help of stones, there have been attempts to learn more and more. This appetite to know more, evolved with the passage of time and man realized that with the help of better and tested ways, learning could be made easy. This gave birth to teaching and education. More researchers entered into this domain and they discovered the thin line that segregates teaching from educating. Yes, for most of us these both are interchangeable words but a closer eye on both of them tells us a different story. Let’s talk about it in a little detail; teaching is a phenomenon when a teacher is more concerned with delivering the lecture and going back. Regardless of knowing how much of the lecture students have grabbed. While a teacher when plans to educate the students with heart and soul, a real dedication are the first requirement he/she fulfills besides adopting the appropriate techniques depending on audience. Differentiated Instructional Strategies: One Size Doesn’t Fit All by educators and education specialists Gayle H. Gregory and Carolyn Chapman is an attempt in the same direction. Yes, the book is focused on taking the level of learning as high as possible by adopting varying techniques for varying learners. This is an informative, and user friendly guide specially written for classroom teachers, in order to introduce them to the method of differentiated instruction that involves carefully adapting curriculum and instructional approaches to the specific and individual learning needs of each student in...
Slee (2001) argues that inclusive schooling demands schools to recognise all types of difference from disabilities, ethnicity, gender, class and sexuality. Furthermore, he challenges schools to accept difference, to encourage and promote flexibility thus benefiting not only the curriculum and pedagogy, but the community and students themselves (Slee, 2001).
Classrooms of today are full of students with varying learning abilities and styles, therefore teachers are put in a position to involve each of their students equally so that everyone has the greatest chance of success in their learning. There are many different ways teachers are able to set up the learning environment in order to maximise teaching and learning and cater for the diverse needs of their students. I will attempt to discuss in detail some of these strategies and unpack the potential advantages and difficulties that follow.
Research shows that the learning environment encompasses more than just the classroom that learning and teaching takes place. Many factors contribute to a learning environment, including the students, teachers, parents, school staff, policy makers, specialists, support staff, community members and the different learning spaces and resources available. This reflective journal will discuss some ways that teachers can set up the learning environment to maximise teaching and learning and some potential advantages and difficulties for me as a new teacher.
The United States is expecting drastic changes in the diversity of its population over the next 50 years. Minorities will become a larger portion of the country’s population. Changes will need to be made to the way our country operates, especially in education. New, innovative and inclusive ways of teaching will replace traditional methods. For these new changes to go smoothly, steps will be taken to implement diverse populations in schools, helping students benefit from the values of other cultures while learning to live along side each other. The competitive and biased curriculums will take back seat to new ones that cater to all members of the population, leaving behind disruptive and antisocial behaviors. And finally, the teacher population will become as diverse as the student counterpart, creating more chances for students to identify with their leaders. This research paper will identify problematic situations for educational diversity as well as examine the effectiveness of diverse populations in classroom settings with respect to the development of student's world skills and understanding, openness and tolerance of diversity.
Diversity in classrooms can open student’s minds to all the world has to offer. At times diversity and understanding of culture, deviant experiences and perspectives can be difficult to fulfill, but with appropriate strategies and resources, it can lead students gaining a high level of respect for those unlike them, preferably than a judgmental and prejudiced view.
Due to various contexts, internal and external within the classroom, there is a need to consider all the implications these have on teaching. For example, student’s development, the environment and how the curriculum will be delivered needs to be considered in order to assist in the students learning as well as planning for the four week block practicum.
The world is currently undergoing a cultural change, and we live in an increasingly diverse society. This change is not only affect the people in the community but also affect the way education is viewed. Teaching diversity in the classroom and focusing multicultural activities in the programs can help improve positive social behavior in children. There is no question that the education must be prepared to embrace the diversity and to teach an increasingly diverse population of young children.
“What does inclusive education mean for me as a teacher in 2014 and beyond? “
The philosophy of inclusive education has “brought about teams of general education and special education teachers working collaboratively or cooperatively to combine their professional knowledge, perspectives, and skills” (Ripley, 1997). Many approaches have been developed and researched over the years to determine best practices for inclusive education in public schools, which include mainstreaming and specialized schools. The challenge for educators and school systems is deciding which approach and strategies meets the individual needs all students in classrooms.
Some ways I plan to accommodate student diversity in my teaching is to maintain a diverse learning environment for my students. I understand that not all students learn the same so I plan to use differentiated instruction. Differentiated instruction would include using strategies such as a Jigsaw classroom or Cooperative Learning and would allow students to have different opportunities to learn the