Individualizing Instruction, IEPs (4)
Instructional Strategies (4)
Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) are highly effective, research-proven instructional practices. These are influential in teaching students with disabilities. Click here to read an introduction to mnemonic devices (an EBP) or here to view a concept map with more information on EBPs.
Differentiated Instruction individualizes lessons to meet the needs of students - using different topics or activities to challenge and engage each student.
My Artifacts:
- IEP Concept Map (new/revised)
- Mnemonic Device Introduction (old)
- EBP Concept Map (old)
Other Artifacts:
- Differential Teaching Video (see references)
Reflection:
Creating the artifacts for Competency 4 made me reflect on how each student in the classroom is different and each have their own individual learning needs and preferences. In order to teach students with disabilities effectively, understanding the student's IEP is crucial. As a teacher it will help me understand what teaching styles the student may respond to, what accommodations they need, or what modifications must be made to the material.
When I edited the concept map artifact, I added new terms and branches. For example, IFSP can be used for infants and toddlers. While as a high school teacher, I will not come across many infants or toddler, IEPs can change or adapt for teenagers in transitional IEPs. Therefore as a teacher, I should collect data in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the IEP in case changes need to be made. I also added the different members of the IEP team as well as details to the accommodations, modifications, and services that IEPs provide. As a high school teacher, I will likely teach students that will need these services - having a plan on how to provide them is necessary.
There are other strategies to help students (with and without disabilities) succeed academically. These include EBPs and differentiated instruction. The EBP that I researched this semester was the mnemonic device. As a Latin teacher, my students are required to memorize a lot of information - from vocabulary to word endings. Mnemonic devices with SWD has been proven to be very successful in studies. It is a useful tool in the foreign language classroom. Likewise, differentiated instruction is another tool that helps meet students individually - meeting them where they are in their learning. Stations, group work, or options for projects can be helpful in motivating the student to learn and in achieving success.
References
Edutopia. (2017, Oct. 3). Station Rotation: Differentiating Instruction to Reach All Students. [Video file].
Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg38A1ggYiE