9 Teaching Diverse Learners

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Objective Analyze personal learning styles and intelligences. © AVAVA/Shutterstock

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Teaching Diverse Learners Learning diversity includesLearning diversity –different learning styles –physical, social, emotional, or mental challenges –language barriers –differences in ethnicity or cultural customs

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences Recognize each student as an individual Understanding differences in how students learn can help teachers maximize learning for more students

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Learning Styles Learning styles includeLearning styles –visual learnersvisual learners –auditory learnersauditory learners –kinesthetic-tactile learnerskinesthetic-tactile learners © Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock continued

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Learning Styles Teachers can plan lessons to incorporate different modes of learning Teachers can use different styles to help individual students They can avoid emphasizing one particular learning style when teaching

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Visual Learners Learn best by seeing information –Reading –Writing notes –Drawing, viewing pictures, watching movies –Highlighting

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Auditory Learners Learn best by hearing information –Lectures –Discussions –Reciting out loud –Tunes and rhythms © Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Kinesthetic-Tactile Learners Learn best by doing or through hands-on activity –Use objects for representation –Studying with others –Working through a procedure

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. For Reflection What type of learner are you? © Archipoch/Shutterstock

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Multiple Intelligences Howard Gardner published his theory of multiple intelligences multiple intelligences List continues to expand and evolve Teachers find that drawing on different types of intelligences helps students learn more and expand all areas of intelligence continued

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Multiple Intelligences Type of IntelligenceStrength Logical-mathematical Logical problems, math Spatial Visualizing Bodily-kinesthetic Hands-on activities, movement Linguistic Words Musical Rhythm, sound patterns continued

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Multiple Intelligences Type of IntelligenceStrength Intrapersonal Analyzer of self, strength/weaknesses Interpersonal Communication Naturalistic Analyzing environment Existentialist Philosophical questions

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. For Discussion Which of Gardner’s intelligences do you think is your strongest? Why? © Michael D. Brown/Shutterstock

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Tapping Individual Learning Strengths Benefits include –understanding student potential; can improve students’ attitudes toward learning –using varied teaching techniques; draws on a wider range of student strengths –allowing more student choice; allows students to draw on their strengths continued

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Tapping Individual Learning Strengths Benefits include –helping individual learners; the teacher can help students find techniques that match their personal strengths –helping all learners; students can strengthen other learning techniques continued

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Tapping Individual Learning Strengths Teachers can incorporate tips and techniques for gaining skills into regular lessons –Reminders –Explanations –Examples –Checklists –Organizational aids

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Objective Identify methods schools can use to help gifted and talented learners and students with special needs reach their potential. © Ilike/Shutterstock

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Exceptional Learners Two main groups of exceptional learners:exceptional learners –Gifted and talented –Learners with special needs

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Gifted and Talented Learners Students who have abilities significantly greater than those of others their age –Gifted: excel academically –Talented: outstanding skills in music, art, theater, dance, leadership

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Supporting the Gifted and Talented Provide in-class enrichment; learning opportunities during regular classes © Hasan Shaheed/Shutterstock continued

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Supporting the Gifted and Talented Use self-paced learning; students can move on when they are readyself-paced learning Skipping a grade; may cause problems with social-emotional skills Attending special schools (such as magnet schools) magnet schools continued

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Supporting the Gifted and Talented Providing pull-out programs; leaving regular classes for advanced classespull-out programs © Tomasz Trojanowski/Shutterstock continued

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Supporting the Gifted and Talented Participating in extracurricular programs; improve knowledge and skills in all areas of interest Taking advanced classes; may include community college or university classes continued

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Supporting the Gifted and Talented Some teachers specialize in teaching gifted and talented learners Regular classroom teachers may also have gifted and talented students They need to provide these students with more rigorous activities Gifted or talented students may be grouped for projects

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Learners with Special Needs Special needs may include physical, mental, social, and behavioral challengesSpecial needs Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), public schools must create Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with special needsIndividualized Education Programs (IEPs) continued

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Learners with Special Needs The plan also describes specific accommodations necessaryaccommodations © Lisa F. Young/Shutterstock

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Meeting the Needs of Students with Disabilities Mainstreaming: students are placed in one or more regular classes; not treated as special studentsMainstreaming Inclusion: students are in special classes but not expected to keep up academicallyInclusion Special education: adapted programs with extra staff and specialized equipment to help students with special needs learnSpecial education

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. For Discussion What do you think are the pros and cons of mainstreaming and inclusion? © Michael D. Brown/Shutterstock

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Objective Develop classroom strategies for ensuring an atmosphere of respect for all students. © iofoto/Shutterstock

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Cultural Diversity Schools reflect the diversity of the U.S. Many people identify with a specific ethnic group based on their heritage –Ethnicity: a particular racial, national, or cultural groupEthnicity –Includes that group’s customs, beliefs, values, and often language and religion

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Using Diversity to Enrich Learning Diversity can encourage new ideas, opinions, and experiences © ZouZou/Shutterstock continued

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Using Diversity to Enrich Learning Schools need to encourage respect and tolerance Some schools see diversity as a source of conflict School administrators must set the tone; teachers must model acceptance Stereotypes have no place in schoolsStereotypes continued

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Using Diversity to Enrich Learning Teachers must be sensitive to students’ individuality Teachers can learn about students’ cultures by –meeting with parents –listening to students’ stories –studying cultural traditions

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. For Discussion What steps can you take to promote acceptance of diversity in your classroom? © Michael D. Brown/Shutterstock

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Objective Identify the difficulties English language learners face and how classroom teachers can help them. © iofoto/Shutterstock

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Language Diversity Limited English proficiency (LEP) and English language learners (ELL) face the challenge of learning English in schoolLimited English proficiency (LEP) English language learners (ELL) Some students attend bilingual programs Others attend English as a Second Language (ESL) program

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Helping English Language Learners Teachers may use several methods –Speaking clearly –Printing assignments on the board © oliveromg/Shutterstock continued

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Helping English Language Learners –Summarizing –Demonstrating –Giving step-by-step instructions –Having students work in pairs and groups –Providing study guides, vocabulary

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. The Challenge of Teaching Diverse Learners Learn students’ individual learning styles, strengths, abilities, and interests Differentiated instruction provides options that fit students’ needsDifferentiated instruction Varying student groups can help meet different needs

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. For Reflection What are some ways you will support diversity in your classroom as a teacher? © Archipoch/Shutterstock

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Key Points Teachers can help all students learn by understanding different learning styles and multiple intelligences Exceptional learners may need special learning opportunities Schools can help prepare students for the diversity of the workplace by respecting diversity in the classroom

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Review What type of learner learns best by performing hands-on or physical activities?  kinesthetic-tactile In Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, people with ____ intelligence are good with rhythm and sound patterns.  musical continued

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Review How are magnet schools organized?  to emphasize a particular subject area What is differentiated instruction?  teaching that incorporates learning options to better meet the specific learning-related characteristics of individual students

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. GLOSSARY OF TERMS accommodations. In teaching, modifications to the environment, learning strategies, or materials that are made to help students with particular special needs succeed in the classroom. auditory learners. People who learn best by hearing or listening to information.

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. GLOSSARY OF TERMS differentiated instruction. Teaching that incorporates learning options to better meet the specific learning-related characteristics of individual students. English language learners (ELL). Students whose native language is not English and who are not yet proficient in the English language.

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. GLOSSARY OF TERMS ethnicity. A particular racial, national, or cultural group, including that group’s customs, beliefs, values, and often language and religion. exceptional learners. Students who are gifted, talented, or have special needs, such as a disability, and need, or can benefit from, programs matched to their abilities and potential.

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. GLOSSARY OF TERMS inclusion. Placing students with special needs into a regular class, using modified class assignments, if they will benefit from the class experience. Individualized Education Program (IEP). A written educational plan developed for a specific student with disabilities.

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. GLOSSARY OF TERMS kinesthetic-tactile learners. People who learn best by performing hands-on or physical activities. learning diversity. Differences in learning based on abilities, interests, or experiences. learning styles. Preferred methods of absorbing and processing information.

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. GLOSSARY OF TERMS limited English proficiency (LEP). Describes students who are not proficient in English. magnet schools. Schools designed to emphasize a particular subject area or area of talent and attract qualified students from throughout the school district.

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. GLOSSARY OF TERMS mainstreaming. Placing students with special needs who show the ability to keep up with the curriculum in a regular class. multiple intelligences. Howard Gardner’s theory that individuals have a broad range of types of intelligence, each to a different degree.

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. GLOSSARY OF TERMS pull-out programs. Programs that allow students to leave the regular classroom for certain periods of the day for additional instruction to meet their particular needs. self-paced learning. A form of learning that allows students to move to the next learning task as soon as they master the previous one. Students progress at individual rates, rather than as a class.

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. GLOSSARY OF TERMS special education. Educational settings that provide adapted programs, extra staff, and specialized equipment or learning environments or materials to help students with special needs to learn.

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. GLOSSARY OF TERMS special needs. A broad range of physical, mental, social, and behavioral challenges that impact learning. stereotype. Preconceived generalizations about certain groups of people. visual learners. People who learn best if information is presented in a way that they can see.