Sunday, February 19, 2012


I'm not sure why my post deleted but it was originally uploaded on Friday night. Here is a re-post of what was originally added to the page.
            
    Issues like this are bound to arise in the classroom since each student is different from one another. As we have seen in the readings from this week and previous weeks, since all students are individuals, each student cannot be taught in the same way. I think it is possible for Mrs. Potter to adjust her classroom to meet the needs of the students without having to make any drastic changes to disrupt the dynamic of the classroom. Some of the things Mrs. Potter could offer to ensure the three students are getting the most of their learning experience can actually benefit the rest of the class as well.
                Although Mrs. Potter’s observations stated that Lupita had minimal experience with toys and puzzles and little interactions with kids her age, it is obvious that Lupita is capable of completing puzzles and working with other students in a positive manner. It seems as though Mrs. Potter made assumptions about Lupita that may need to be reconsidered. It may be beneficial for Mrs. Potter to call on Lupita more so that she can figure out what Lupita is capable of. Since Lupita is quiet it may be more beneficial to hear how she interacts with students in small group work. Rather than have the students decide on who they want to be grouped with, Mrs. Potter could place students into groups so that she ensures that Lupita is with students who may make her feel comfortable enough to share her knowledge. Mrs. Potter can also integrate stimulating materials such as puzzles and toys into classroom activities and assignments since it’s obvious that Lupita is successful in using these materials and showing others how to utilize them. Since she was missing stimulating materials growing up, maybe this is what she needs to prosper in the classroom. Mrs. Potter could also take it a step further and implement a parent homework assignment much like the one discussed in the Breitfleder article. This may give Mrs. Potter a better sense of what stimulates Lupita and how to help her interact with peers.
                It is evident that Jonathan is too embarrassed to ask for help, which may be due to the amount of praise he gets in other areas of his life. According to the Maples reading, Jonathan is someone who could benefit from visual support. If Jonathan is below grade level for reading, it may be possible that he is unable to read the directions on his assignment, therefore leaving him unaware of how to complete assignments. By using picture directions, he may actually be able to begin completing his work. It may also be nice to integrate small group work up for reading. Since Jonathan is so well liked by his peers, they may be able to help him with his reading skills and to complete activities. The best way to figure out what works best with Jonathan is to construct a plan and see what his preferences are, much like Marcus in the chapter reading. Talking to Jonathan may be the best way to find out how to help him get what he needs to succeed.
                For Eddie, I think it would be beneficial to implement the homework assignment for his parents as well. This will give Mrs. Potter deeper insight to what he’s like at home and how they may discipline his behavior. This homework assignment may also give insight as to what may be a beneficial positive or negative reinforcement to use in a behavior modification plan. It is also evident that Eddie is interested in new materials, so more hands-on activities will benefit him. Rather than bring in new material and lecture about it, letting kids partake in their own discovery may be more beneficial for Eddie. It seems like he likes to observe and make his own conclusions rather than listen to what a teacher has to say.
                Even though the “What to do assignment” asks to discuss how Mrs. Potter can adjust her classroom management to accommodate these three students, the suggestions really can work to benefit every student in the classroom. It is vital to remember that each student has a different way of learning so presenting information in various ways and allowing students to complete work in various ways is crucial. What’s important is that students are meeting a certain goal; sometimes how students should not be the highest priority. If what a teacher wants is for students to understand a book, then it is that teacher’s job to make sure that every student is able to read the book in any way that works for them and incorporate various means in which this can be done so that students can reach that goal. 

1 comment:

  1. I love this post! I really enjoy group work activities and differentiated instruction, and the readings did an awesome job encompassing both. Needless to say, they kept me pretty entertained. I like the modifications that you suggested, and I feel like the instructor could really benefit from them. I especially like what you came up with for Lupita. I think it is very common for teachers to underestimate their students because they generalize students’ performance, grades, etc. However, this is an issue that needs to be fixed in schooling. Teachers should set high expectations for students, no matter what they feel the students may be able to achieve. More importantly, they need to make sure that they are working with the students to help them reach that goal.
    Many teachers take a huge step back when it comes to differentiated instruction. Whenever the time comes for them to modify their teaching, they hesitate because they do not feel like their students need individualized assistance. In addition, if they find students that do they rush to send them to outside resources (special education room, resource room, etc.) I think that these teachers need to at least try adding or trying things in the classroom first. When I read about Lupita, the first thing I remember saying was, “Wow. Mrs. Potter needs to get herself together.”
    Jonathan’s story is a perfect example of what I see in the field all of the time. There is always that student that is too embarrassed to really put forth a strong effort to do things. I think that finding and utilizing visual supports is a good idea, and something that would help him. But also, finding out if his reading performance is disabling him from doing well on assignments is a good idea.

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