How Can Instruction be Differentiated for Diverse Learners?

     Students with disabilities have had to fight to get the same education as other students, so it is very important that we recognize the different types of teaching to use for these students. Not only is it students with specific disabilities, because we also have to take into account the fact that everyone learns differently. For example, one student may greatly benefit from listening to lectures and taking notes, while another student might need the hands-on aspect to fully understand the lesson.

     Instead of labeling a student as someone who just can't learn, it is important that we make sure we are giving them the correct resources to understand what we are teaching. As Howard Gardner said in The Washington Post, we have to individualize and pluralize our teaching. I really enjoyed reading this blog because it made me understand that, when I become a teacher, I need to make sure I am offering multiple different ways of teaching for students to get the most out of my classroom. We cannot throw all of our students into one category of teaching and expect them all the be successful. Getting to know and understand our students can really help avoiding the issue of them not being successful. I, personally, truly enjoyed this particular module because it completely changed my perspective on how I will be teaching after I graduate.

    

Why Teach?

    This question could have hundreds of answers from me because there are so many great reasons why I am choosing this profession. I loved school growing up, and I had so many influential teachers. I always looked up to them and thought they were the most amazing people, and I dreamt of being as great as they were. I truly believe I have always wanted to be a teacher, but when I started college I hopped around majors, trying to find something with the best pay instead of something I loved. When I finally decided to change my major to education, I knew I made the right choice. I want to teach so that I can make students excited about learning, and happy to come to school. I think teachers are some of the most influential people in children's life, and I would love to be that person to create a safe and loving place outside of home for these kids.

    I am planning on teaching somewhere around 4th-7th grade. I know that is a big gap, but I know that I want to teach kids that are a little older and more independent. I hope to try out a few different grades through subbing or student teaching to see which I like the most. I also know I want to teach some type of science class. I have always been passionate about science, and I can not wait to put that passion to a good use. I love the idea of setting up experiments and fun ways for kids to learn about all the amazing parts of science.