Assignment 5, Recapping class thus far

So far in class, I have found it very helpful to learn about the variety of learning disabilities that students may have, and ways that we can recognize them as teachers, and work towards finding methods of teaching to support the student's learning better. I found that the videos we have watched have been very insightful, and made me aware of actions that one may have taken previously towards a child thinking they were helping, but were actually making the scenario worse. I found that the activity that we did in class, where learning disabilities were simulated by us wearing goggles, gloves, etc. was very beneficial in that it forced us to be in the shoes of the LD child. So often we say we understand what these children are going through, but don't really. This activity acted to heighten this awareness, and really think then about the ways we teach.

I have also found the videos and discussions about differentiated instruction to helpful, although a bit overwhelming too. I can see the benefits to these teaching styles, and while it all seems a lot to figure out now, I am eager to do it over time and gradually, as the results can only be positive for the students, and the teacher too, once the foundations are in place. Be prepared!!

I think that an area that I would like to see some brushing up on is some more discussion of the readings required form the text book. I found that the lecture last class was very helpful because it acted to clarify, and highlight the key areas in the readings. It answered a few questions for me, that I had not been 100% sure of on the first quiz. I really appreciate that the class is not all lecture, and recapitulation of readings, but also need it to be a bit more.

What I hope to see for the next portion of the semester is to be doing more learning more about specific learning needs of children, and our roles and "how to tips" if you will, as teachers in working with these children in order to provide them the best learning environment and strategies possible. I think this is where we are going with the Wiki assignments, so I am looking forward to the presentations.