Month: June 2023

The practice of inclusive learning and teaching acknowledges every student’s right to a learning environment that values diversity, fosters participation, eliminates obstacles, and takes into account different learning requirements and preferences.

Consider the learning environment for your current design. What potential barriers can be reduced or eliminated to provide more pathways for learner success?

I have chosen Google Classroom as my learning platform, but several barriers can impede a child’s learning experience. Learning barriers can be physical, mental, emotional, cultural, or social elements that get in the way of a student achieving their learning goals. As 2020 brought global shutdowns and stay-at-home orders, our homes became our primary learning environments. Some thrived in a remote setting, whereas others were more challenged.

Available resources, distractions, and emotional and mental well-being all played a role in adapting to our new environments. Now, as more businesses and, in some locations, schools adopt a hybrid approach, our homes are becoming commonplace for encountering learning obstacleswhen we don’t have the right tools or support.

Successfully navigating the challenges of remote or hybrid learning requires a multi-faceted approach and strong support systems.

• Ensure that students have reliable internet access, appropriate devices, and necessary software or applications.
• Establish a structured schedule that includes designated study time, breaks, and leisure activities to provide a sense of normalcy and predictability.
• Promote diversity and inclusivity in the learning environment by incorporating resources and materials that represent a variety of cultures, languages, and perspectives.
• Encourage peer-to-peer interactions, group projects, and collaborative learning experiences through video conferencing platforms or online discussion boards.
• Create virtual clubs or interest-based groups where students can connect with like-minded peers and engage in activities that go beyond academics.

It’s important to remember that overcoming learning barriers is a joint effort among educators, parents or caregivers, and students themselves. Consistent communication, adaptability, and flexibility are essential in creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment, whether in a remote or hybrid setting.

References

Imperial College London. (n.d.). Educational Development Unit. What is inclusive learning and teaching and why is it important? https://www.imperial.ac.uk/staff/educational-development/teaching-toolkit/inclusive-learning-and-teaching/what-is-inclusive-learning-and-teaching-and-why-is-it-important/#:~:text=What do we mean by,of learning needs and preferences.” 

Rice, G. (2023, March 8). Why your students aren’t learning (and how to fix it). Thinkific. https://www.thinkific.com/blog/barriers-to-learning/ 

Hey Mumen,

Your passage explains the experiential learning approach using Chat GPT for research. It describes the four stages of hands-on experience, reflection, conceptualization, and experimentation, and provides a practical implementation for the classroom. Benefits and drawbacks are acknowledged, and it suggests providing specific examples to improve understanding. Overall, it offers a solid framework for integrating experiential learning into the classroom.

Great Work!

Direct Instruction is a proven teaching method that utilizes a structured and teacher-led approach to impart educational content to students. It was developed by Siegfried Engelmann and Wesley Becker in the 1960s and emphasizes explicit teaching, active participation, and mastery of skills and concepts.

The fundamental principle of Direct Instruction is that all students can learn with clear and explicit instruction. Effective teaching necessitates breaking down complex skills and knowledge into smaller, manageable steps and systematically guiding students through the learning process. Direct Instruction is particularly advantageous for students who may struggle with learning difficulties or come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Direct Instruction approach includes various key features, such as scripted lessons, active participation, mastery learning, feedback and corrective practice, and systematic review. Scripted lessons ensure that essential information is consistently provided to students, while active participation encourages frequent and structured opportunities for student response. Mastery learning supports students in acquiring skills and concepts, while feedback and corrective practice activities reinforce learning and address areas of weakness. A regular and systematic review of previously taught material is an integral part of Direct Instruction, helping students retain information in long-term memory.

Direct Instruction has been extensively researched and has demonstrated positive results across various subject areas and grade levels. Students taught using Direct Instruction typically outperform their peers in standardized tests and academic achievement.

Critics of Direct Instruction argue that its highly structured nature may impede creativity and student engagement. However, proponents suggest that the structure and clarity provided by Direct Instruction actually free up cognitive resources for students, allowing them to focus on learning the content.

In conclusion, Direct Instruction is an instructional approach that emphasizes explicit teaching, active participation, mastery learning, and systematic review. It is designed to provide all students, especially those who may struggle academically, with clear and effective instruction. With its evidence-based track record, Direct Instruction continues to be a valuable tool in supporting student learning and achievement.

Hello Fawzan! Your journey toward self-improvement is genuinely inspiring. I can relate to it as I also went through a phase where I felt the urge to improve myself, and hitting the gym was my initial step. Devoting time to oneself enhances self-esteem and contributes to overall improvement.