Educators have long understood that not all students learn in the same ways, and many educators have modified lessons or approaches to make their classrooms more enriching. Teachers must understand how to respond to the needs of individual students in differentiated ways while also maintaining the continuity of a group atmosphere.
This kind of individualized, adaptable attention is not always easy to balance with the needs of a whole class, particularly with limited classroom support staff at schools everywhere.
While educators often have limited funds and support, there are various strategies for teaching diverse learners. One of the most effective ways that teachers try to prepare for the different needs of students is by designing instructional strategies that are differentiated and universal for learners (UDL). By building these strategies into their classroom from the beginning of the planning process, educators can make their overall approach to the classroom as inclusive as possible.
With a higher degree program such as the online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction – General program from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, students will encounter the essential skills and knowledge required to create constructive and effective curricula for all students.
Southeastern’s fully online graduate program explores timely concerns in learning strategies and contemporary, research-backed methods to address these issues. Courses cover all facets of pedagogy and highlight how graduates can lead the way in transforming learning environments in their culturally responsive classrooms and schools.
Let’s look at some teaching strategies that have gained popularity among educators in recent years to reach learners of all styles.
Project-Based Learning
Project-based learning emphasizes applying knowledge in realistic situations as students work toward executing a single project that incorporates many concepts. This method of teaching has become increasingly popular in recent years. As education publication The 74 points out, project-based learning can be “more relevant, more authentic, more effective and frankly, more fun” for everyone in the classroom. This is because all students have a chance to participate and apply knowledge instead of learning in a vacuum.
Teach Content in Multiple Ways
Sharing classroom content with students in multiple methods is not only a great way to involve students with different learning styles but also a great way to reinforce content. As Edutopia lays out, this works in a variety of ways. Southeastern’s online program helps educators understand the various assessment methods at their disposal such as portfolios; public presentations; self and peer evaluations; and design lessons via scientific inquiry, group investigation and non-directive instruction. When students have numerous modes to access information, content is more approachable, and they can develop different ways of thinking.
Provide Choices
Presenting students with a chance to choose their own activities can be rewarding. Many students understand their own learning styles better than anyone, allowing them to select a medium or activity that they feel comfortable executing. Choice can also extend to settings, like allowing students who prefer a quiet area to move seats during work time. Allowing students to act on these preferences can benefit learning.
Students in Southeastern’s M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction – General online program will encounter strategies and others like these. Coursework includes explorations of relevant instructional issues and solutions, as well as innovative and culturally sensitive skills necessary to serve students in diverse learning environments. In fact, the Teaching Strategies course explores prevalent concerns and solutions in classroom instruction and other areas of education. The Learning in Culturally Responsive Learner Environments course empowers educators with the innovative and culturally sensitive skills needed to serve students in linguistically, geographically and socio-economically-diverse learning environments.
Learn more about Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – General program.