FIELD STUDY 1
INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCS AND LEARNERS INTERACTION
Target
EPISODE 5
At the end of the activity, I will gain competence in determining understanding and accepting the learners' diverse background; and in relating the learner's background to their performance in the class.
My Map
1. Observe two or more learners of different abilities but the same grade or year level.
2. Find out some information about their background.
3. Observe them as they participate in a classroom activity and how the teacher addresses their needs.
4. Write a narrative report and brief reflection about your experience.
My Tools
An Observation Guide for Individual Differences
1. Observe the class to see the differences in the abilities of the learners
2. Try to identify the student who seem to be performing well and those that seem to be behind.
3. Validate your observation by asking the teacher about the background (family, socio-economic, presence of some learning disability, etc.).
4. Observe the behaviour of both the high-achieving and low achieving learners. Note their Dispositions, pace in accomplishing task, interaction with the teacher, and interaction with others.
5. Observe the teacher's method in addressing the individual learning needs of the students in his/her class.
OBSEVATION REPORT
Name of the school observed: #### Elementary School
School address:
Date of visit: September 14-15, 2015
The learners in the different class we observed have varied abilities and interest. Obviously, those performing students are the one who is always attentive and active in whatever activity the teacher give. They easily get fit and pampered on what the situation maybe. Those who seem to be behind are those who are silent, and much worst for those who have their own business while the discussion is going on. This shows that students who are motivated and have interest in learning have a good performance than those who are less motivated. Ma'am ### one of the teacher we interviewed, said that students who are performing well get their assignments or they have advance actives given by their parents at home accomplished ahead of their classmate. This means that they are always getting in touch of their lesson and have a good interaction with their teacher. They voluntary raised their hands during recitation is also one evidence.
The teacher address the individual needs of the learners through the different activities to gratify the learning level of the students. One strategy they are manipulating is the collaborative activities. They will pair the well performing student to those who are striving. The performing student will lead the group and he will give each of them a role to fulfil. This will encourage those striving students to participate knowing they will be a factor that will for the group's success or failure. They are accountable not only for themselves but for the whole group. This will sometimes give opportunity for them to shine. One thing more that we notice that the teacher is doing is appointing those who are not listening to answer the questions and scold them if they cannot provide the valid answer key. Lastly, by encouraging those who are silent to speak also because it is believed that they have something to share but cannot reveal to the class unless being called.
Analysis
1. Did your observation match the information given by the teacher? Were you able to correctly identify who among the students performed well and who did not? What behaviours helped you identify them? (Volunteering to answer, responding to teachers direction)
2. Describe the differences in ability levels of the students in the class. Is there a wide gap between the students who are performing well and those who are not?
3. Describe the methods used by the teacher in handling the student's differences in abilities. How did the students response to the teacher? Did the teacher use differences instruction? If yes, describe how.
Our observation match with the information given by the teacher we had interviewed. We were able to determine those students who are performing well and those who are not. Our basis was their attitude during their class discussion and activities. There re students who are enjoying learning by participating actively and listening attentively. There were silent that sometimes we assumed to be a low performer but can answer a question direct to the point when asked to recite. It is believed that it is their nature and silent sometimes are those who thinks deeply. There are also naughty students that needs to be given attention. This shows the different ability level among the learners. There is a gap between the high and low performing students but not very far because teachers are doing their best to use different methods to compensate what was lacking to those who are low performing students.
My reflection or insights
Recall the time when you were in the elementary or high school. Recall the high and low achievers in your class. How did your teacher deal with differences in abilities? Was your teacher effective?
The most memorable memories I cannot forget dis during my second year in high school. The high achievers and those with learning disabilities are being mixed. In every grading our teacher posted in our bulletin board our rank from 1-20. And even our characters are being monitored. Teachers are aware of it and they must to deal with it by using strategies. Collaborative activities is mostly used. Grouping the students and let the high achievers to guide the group. Then the teacher will monitor if everybody is doing their own part of what the leader assigned. Sometimes, they will pinpoint the slow learners to demonstrate and explain something instead of those high achiever. The methods are effective since low learners are being challenge to do their best in learning to cope up with their level. This way it help me to do my best and to strive hard for me to remain or to attain a high grade.
