Learning Log Chapter 5

What? 

This week through reading and in class discussion I learned a few new things about disabilities I didn't know. One of them is that all types of disabilities are different, even in a group of one category. We as teachers need to judge intelligence on more then just a IQ test, because it doesn't include a student having to adjust one's behavior to accomplish new tasks. Distributed intelligence seems to me to be what gives you a learned behavior, because people are there being a support system. Never categorize students' to a certain label, they'll think they are seen as a disability and not a person. Each disability has different characteristics and instruction that can be adapted for the student. Be prepared for each student in your class each day even if that means accommodations having to be made. Having inclusion in the classroom can be of reward and a burden also. These children will see what behavior is required and be accepted by all students'. When you have gifted students' in class don't give them extra work, have them find something they are passionate about and adapt that to a chosen assignment.

So What?

This chapter is important for me to know about as a teacher on so many levels. If I have students' with disabilities, I need to know how they'll be and how I can best teach them and realize what they can accomplish. Also if I have a class without student with disabilities I would teach them about these differences and how they should be treated. Treated of course as they want to be treated. This is a part of our syllabus because today there are many problems out their that students' can have, and we are likely to have students' that have certain needs. By knowing about these disabilities in depth it will help me to be a great teacher, in that I'll try to see where each child is coming from. And then help them achieve goals on their levels and let them know they are valued and children like their fellow classmates.

Now What?

I can use this material in my future teaching to be more knowledgeable about children's struggles and to educate others about these real life issues. It will help me to be more understanding and able to adapt instruction to different needs. I know it will take practice as I teach students' of all levels. I still need to learn how exactly you adapt instruction for differing disabilities and how to make it fit their needs. I know that many of them will have IEP's and maybe that is what I go off of as a teacher. I think I can learn more as I observe a variety of classrooms and see how teachers handle different levels of students'. I also think I will learn more as I teach and try it on my own. By doing this I'll know how I need to be around students' with my demeanor and what things push them to get work done and what things are hurtful to them.