teachers know their students and how they learn

Element 2: Teachers know their

students and how they learn

How well do you know your students?

• Have you started an individual record of behaviour for each student?

• Do you know each students general school achievement• In terms of skills, do you know the specific achievement

needs of your students? • What have been some significant aspects of social

behaviour for each student?• Which students have physical handicaps ?• Which students have emotional difficulties ? • Which students need particular help in social

adjustment?

Byers and Irish (1961)

Is there anything else you can think of that teachers need to KNOW?

Teachers know their students and how

they learn

Knowledge of and respect for the diverse social, cultural, ethnic and

religious backgrounds of students and the effects of these factors on learning

Knowledge of the physical, social and

intellectual developmental

characteristics of the age group(s) of students

Knowledge of students varied approaches to

learning

Knowledge of strategies for addressing student

needs

Knowledge of how students skills, interests and prior achievements

affect learning

annaKnowledge of the physical, social and

intellectual developmental characteristics of the age group(s) of students

• 12 years old, Year 6•Indigenous background•Moving to a high school away from her friends•Diary for her transition into high school•The most empathetic student in class.•Class prefect and average intelligence

Implications for TeachingAddressing physical and emotional

development changes through class lessons, teaching students social development skills

through moral lessons and as a teacher learning about the changes that affect students and

allowing for that growth and change within the class community

Theoretical PerspectivesOne theory which explores the effect different characteristics has on students is Vygotsky’s socio-cultural theory. His theory asserts that cognitive development hinges on social interaction, where children learn the culture of their community (ways of thinking and behaving )through social experiences.

AleksKnowledge of how students skills, interest

and prior achievements affect learning.

Theoretical Perspectives

Pre-Mack Principal – First, do what I want you to do, then

you can do what you want to do

Implications for Teaching

•Understanding the students interests•Planning for the students strengths and weaknesses•Setting Rich tasks aimed at targeting students interests e.g., soccer •Explicit instruction on concepts •Positive reinforcement including rewarding behaviour

• 11 years old • Gregarious •Russian background

SalmonKnowledge of and respect for the diverse

social, cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds of students and the effects of

these factors on learning.


Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Human behavior is motivated by individual seeking to fulfill

a series or hierarchy of needs from basic survival and safety

to higher levels needs of intellectual achievement and

self actualization


•Understanding the different cultures within the school•Recognition of the cultural practices and acknowledging specific days throughout the year, e.g. Ramadan•Exercising duty of care •Communication with family/caretakers

• 10 years old•Islamic

MadisonKnowledge of students varied approach to

learning


Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences Theory-

* Kind of human abilities and an individual might have

strengths or weaknesses in one or many of the areas


•Differentiated activities using pictures, graphic organizers•Use of colour/symbols to show patterns or relationships•Use of games to engage and motivate

• 8 years old• Visual learner•Often loses focus with auditory tasks•Assessments are difficult as student finds it hard to recall information that hasn’t been “viewed”

MeganKnowledge of strategies for addressing

student needs


•Inclusive positive classroom•Resources eg, cards instead of writing•Differentiated lessons•Making sure that students are aware of disability and how they can include Megan•Individual education program detailing student level of functioning, services and resources available and how the student will participate in the school program


Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences Theory-

* Kind of human abilities and an individual might have

strengths or weaknesses in one or many of the areas

• Kindergarten Student•Cerebal Palsy•Two Support Teacher Learning Assistance (STLA)

Here’s to the kids

Here’s to the kids who are different; the kids who don’t always get A’s, the kids who have ears twice the size of their peers’, or noses that go on for days.

Here’s to the kids who are different, the kids who are just out of step, the kids they all tease,

who have cuts on their knees and whose sneakers are constantly wet.

Here’s to the kids who are different, the kids with a mischievous streak, for when they have grown, as history has shown, it’s their difference that makes them unique!

References

Gardner, Howard. (1983) "Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences." New York: Basic Books.

Maslow, A, H. (1968). Toward a Psychology of Being. New York: D. Van Nostrand Company.

Metcafe. (2011). Do you know who I am? [Video] Retrieved October 2 from http://www.metacafe.com/watch/6047/do_you_know_who_i_am/.

Premack, D. (1959). Toward empirical behavior laws: I. Positive reinforcement. Psych Rev., 66, 219-233.

Vygotsky, L.S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. New York: President and fellows of Harvard college.

Wolfe, D. (1982).Here’s to the kids. Retrieved October 2, 2011 from http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson115.shtml.

teachers know their students and how they learn

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