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Individual Differences

What are the individual difference variables ineducation?

How can we adapt instruction to accommodate thingsindividual differences?

Created by Wallace Hannum 2010

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BF Skinner

Key individual difference variables

specific reinforcers for each individual

rate of progression

current behavioral repertoire

Ways to adapt instruction

different reinforcers for different learners

allow self-pacing through lessons

conduct initial assessment and allow different

starting points

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RM Gagne

Key individual difference variables

mastery of specific prerequisite skills

rate of progression

Ways to adapt instruction

conduct initial assessment of intellectual skills

and allow different starting points

allow learners to progress through the lessonsat their own rate

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DP Ausubel

Key individual difference variables

individuals cognitive structures

clarity and stability of ideas within the

cognitive structure

Ways to adapt instruction

conduct initial assessment of cognitive

structure and allow different starting points use different examples, analogies, and

metaphors that are potentially meaningful to

different individual students

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JS Bruner

Key individual difference variables

individual students curiosity and motivation

interests

goals, drives, and needs problem-solving abilities

Ways to adapt instruction

match topic of instruction to student interests

students decide what to study

students decide how to study

discovery learning approach

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A Bandura

Key individual difference variables

specific reinforcers for individual students

who can serve as a model

self-efficacy self-regulatory abilities

Ways to adapt instruction

select models appropriate for students

use reinforcers students value

help students develop higher self-efficacy andbetter self-regulatory abilities

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L Vygotsky

Key individual difference variables

zone of proximal development (ZPD)

culture and language

Ways to adapt instruction

adjust tasks so that students are working

within their zone of proximal development

provide assistance (scaffolding) as necessary use the language and tools of their culture

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Summary

All theorists see individual differences

as important in education

They disagree on what the individual

difference variables are They disagree on how to adapt

instruction to accommodate these

individual differences