Standard3

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** Standard 3 ** The teacher understands how pupils differ in their approaches to learning and the barriers that impede learning and can adapt instruction to meet the diverse needs of pupils, including those with disabilities and exceptionalities.
 * Teachers understand that children learn differently. **

Evidence 1: How to Write a Petit Saga (aka Short Story) Rationale 1: This unit was designed for EDT 672 Teaching and Learning Online. I did not teach the actual course, but I have used most of the information in my classes. The course was designed for middle school students writing short stories. Because it is an online course, it would be an effective choice for a variety of pupils, including those with disabilities and exceptionalities. There are many reasons students might benefit from an online course, including illness, truancy, or a lack of choices at their school.

In the regular classroom, it is important to plan ahead of time, but it is easy to make changes from day to day based on classroom observations and time requirements. With an online course, I learned that planning ahead and foreseeing student needs is critical; students work at their own pace and problem situations have to be anticipated and corrected before they arise in order for students to be successful. Online courses allow students independence in their learning which allows for the many different approaches that can be taken to learn. KSD 3.K.1 The teacher understands and can identify differences in approaches to learning and performance, including different learning styles, multiple intelligences, and performance modes, and can design instruction that helps use students’ strengths as the basis for growth.

Online courses are a different approach to traditional classrooms. For some students online coursework may be what allows them to finish their schooling, at many different levels, for a variety of reasons. The course I developed shows that I understand that there are many different approaches to learning. Some students have a learning style that is best suited by online learning. In an online course, teachers can discover student strengths and give individual feedback based on those strengths to encourage growth in student skills.  3.S.1 The teacher identifies and designs instruction appropriate to students’ stages of development, learning styles, strengths, and needs.

This course was developed to meet the writing needs of students in 6th-8th grade. Having taught at this level for almost 20 years, I understand where this age student is developmentally and what their capabilities are. Through the discussions and weekly assignments, I would be able to determine individual strengths and needs.  3.D.2 The teacher appreciates and values human diversity, shows respect for students’ varied talents and perspectives, and is committed to the pursuit of “individually configured excellence.”

Online coursework allows students to excel on an individual basis, which is needed in education. Students bring various talents and perspectives to the table whether a course is online or face-to-face. Encouraging those talents and perspectives is important in gaining trust and respect in a teacher/student relationship. I would accomplish this through individual feedback and discussion groups.