Learning Episode 5

Individuals Differences and Learners Interaction (focusing on different levels of abilities)

"I made it!" -Leo in "Leo the Late Bloomer" by Robert Kraus

Episode 5 provides an opportunity for me to observe how differences in abilities affect interaction in school, and learn about strategies that teachers use in addressing the learner's different needs to effective learning.

In this episode, I must be able to: identify the needs of students with different levels of abilities in the classroom. choose effective strategies to address the diverse needs of the learners.

I will be rated along the following: quality of my observations and documentation, completeness and depth of analysis depth and clarity of classroom observation-based reflection, completeness, organization, clarity of portfolio and time of submission of portfolio.

Here are principles and concepts relevant to this episode:

1. Development and learning proceed at varying rates from child to child, as well as at uneven rates across different areas of the child's functioning. (NAEYC 2009)

2. Development and learning is maximized when learners are challenged to achieve at a level just above their current level of mastery, and also when they have many opportunities to practice newly acquired skills.

3. Differentiated instruction is a student-centered approach that aims to match the learning content, activities and assessment to the different characteristics, abilities, interests and needs of the learners.

• An effective teacher remembers that the learners have different levels of ability, and clearly lets them know that their strengths are recognized and that everyone has the chance to learn and succeed. The teacher helps create a learning community where everyone can work together and contribute regardless of their abilities and capacities.

To realize my Intend Learning Outcomes, I will work my way through these steps.

1. Identify two or more learners of different abilities but from the same grade or year.

2. Find out some information about their background.

3. Observe them as they participate in a classroom activity and how the teacher addresses their needs.

4. Write a narrative report and brief reflection on your experience.

Use the activity form provided for you to document your observations.

An Observation Guide for Individual Differences Read the following carefully before you begin to observe. Then write your observation report on the space provided.

①Observe the class to see the differences in abilities of the learners. ② Try to identify the students who seem to be performing well and those that seem to be behind.③Validate your observations by asking the teacher about the background (family, socio-economic , presence of some learning disability, etc.) of these children. ④ Observe the behavior of both the high achieving and low- achieving learners. Note their dispositions, pace in a accomplishing tasks, interaction with teacher, and interaction with others. ⑤ Observe the teacher's method in addressing the individual learning needs of the students in his/her class.

Name of the Schooling Observed_____________________________ School Address___________________________________________Date of Visit ______________________________________________

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1. Did your observation match the information given by the teacher? Were you able to correctly identify who among the students performed well and who did not? What behaviors helped you identify them? (Volunteering to answer, responding to teacher's direction, etc.) _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.

2. Describe the differences in ability levels of the students in the class. Is there a wide gap between the students who are performing well and those that are not? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.

3. Describe the methods used by the teacher in handling the students' differences in abilities. How did the students respond to the teacher ? Did the teacher use differentiated instruction? If yes, describe how .____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.

1. Recall the time when were in the elementary or high school. Recall the high and low achievers in your class. How did your teacher deal with differences in abilities? Was your teacher effective?

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Directions: Read the items given below and encircle the correct answer.

1. Read the following comments by the teacher. Which of these comments will most likely make a child try harder, rather than give up?

a. Sinuwerte ka ngayon dito sa test, ha? b. Hindi ka talaga magaling dito sa paksang ito, 'no? c. Nakikita ko na kailangan mong maglaan ng mas mahabang

panahon sa paksang ito para lubos mong maunawaan ito.d. Nahihirapan ka sa paksang ito. Maaari kitang tulungan.

2. Which of the following demonstrates differentiated instruction? a. The teacher groups the learners by their ability level and makes the groups work with the same topic but assigns a different task appropriate for each group to accomplish.b.The teacher divides the class into three heterogeneous groups and assigns the same activity for each group to work on. c. The teacher groups the learners by their as ability level and assigns different content topics for the groups to work on.d.The teacher groups the learners by their ability level and assigns different task on the same topic, and then requests three different teachers, each to asses one of the groups

3. Which teaching practice gives primary consideration to individual differences? a. Allowing children to show that they learned the stage of mitosis in a way where they feel most comfortable. b.Allowing children to show that they learned the stages of mitosis in a way where they feel most comfortable except by lecturing. c.Preparing two different sets of examination, one for the fast learners and another for the slow learners. d. Applying two sets of different standards.

With the principle of individual differences in mind, what methods a and strategies will you remember in the future to ensure that you will be able to meet the needs of both the high and low achievers in your class? Make a collection of strategies on how to address the students' different ability levels.

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(How did I perform in this episode?)

Field Study 1_ Episode 5 - Individual Differences and Learners' Interaction ( focus on different ability levels)

Focused on: identifying the needs if students with different levels of abilities in the classroom choosing effective strategies to address the diverse needs of the learners

Name of the FS Student_______________________Date Submitted:___________Year & Section :___________________________________ Course :___________

Learning Episodes

Examplary4

Superior3

Satisfacory2

Needs Improvement

1Learning Activities

All task were done with outstanding quality ; work exceeds expectations

All or nearly all tasks were done with high quality

Nearly all tasks were done with acceptable quality

Fewer than half of tasks were done; or most objectives were met but need improvement

Analysis of the Learning Episode

All questions were answered completely ; depth answers ; thoroughly grounded on theories. Exemplary grammar and spelling

Analysis questions were answered completely. Clear connection with theories Grammar and spelling are superior Reflection statements are clear, but not clearly supported by experiences from the learning episodes

Analysis questions were not answered completely. Vaguely related to the theories Grammar and spelling acceptable

Analysis questions were not a answered. Grammar and spelling unsatisfactory

Reflections/ Insights

Reflection Statements are profound and clear ; supported by experiences from the learning episodes

Portfolio is complete, clear, well- organized; most supporting documentations are available and logical and cleats marked locations

Reflection statements are shallow; supported by experiences from the learning episodes

Reflection statements are unclear and shallow and are not supported by experiences from the learning episodes

Learning Portfolio

Portfolio is complete, clear, well- organized and all supporting; documentations are located in sections clearly and designated

Portfolio is complete, clear, well- organized; most supporting documentations are available and logical and cleats marked locations

Portfolio is incomplete; supporting documentations are organized but are lacking

Analysis questions were not answered Grammar and spelling unsatisfactory

Submission of Learning Episode

Submitted before the deadline

Submitted on the deadline

Submitted a day after the deadline

Submitted two days or more after the deadline

Learning Episodes

Examplary4

Superior3

Satisfacory2

Needs Improvement

1

Comment/s Over-all Score Rating:(Based on transmutation)

transmutation of Score to Grade/ RatingSCORE 20 19-18 17 16 15 14 13-12 11 10 9-8 7-BelowGRADE 1.0 1.25 1.5 1.75 2.00 2.25 2.50 2.75 3.00 3.25 5.00

99 96 93 90 87 84 81 78 75 72 71-Below

_______________________Signaure of FS Teacher

above printed name

_________________Date

FIELD STUDY 1The Learners’ Development and Environment

by: Maria Rita D. Lucas, Ph.D.

Reference: