2.
2 Learner Exceptionalities
2.1.6 Compare theories and philosophies of education and training impacting learners with
exceptionalities
As a variety of students come and go in a teacher’s classroom, It is given that they will all
be at different learning levels and they will learn in different ways. As there are multiple learning
styles, students with IEPs or 504 plans, and gifted students, teachers must make accommodations
for all of these. This strategy is called differentiation. To further one’s knowledge of
differentiation and when or how to use it, teachers can look to the theories of Benjamin Bloom,
Albert Bandura, and Howard Gardner, among others.
There are many different types of exceptionalities and disabilities. There are social and
emotional issues, where students need positive environments in order to feel comfortable and at
ease in the classroom due to their insecurities and/or social barriers. Examples of emotional
problems are depression and anxiety. Next there is cognitive disabilities, which includes students
with autism, ADHD, OCD, and more. This particular group of students may need extra help on
assignments and testing. There are also physical disabilities, which require the classroom to be
accessible to all students as some might be in a wheelchair. Another example of physical
disabilities include students with visual impairments or a speech impediment. The classroom
must be adjusted to their needs and assignments might need to be changed to make it easier for
the students to complete. A safe environment and adjusting of grouping, seating, and more must
be considered to make sure the students feel comfortable in order to be able to fully focus on
their education (2.2.1).
Educational Theories can be used to help differentiate learning for all different learning
styles and exceptionalities. One theorist who has made a significant impact on the ways of
teaching today is Benjamin Bloom. This particular theory mainly helps to differentiate with
cognitive development. He created a taxonomy which consists of steps to take to be able to work
a students way up from basic knowledge to application of the new topic. Teachers use this theory
to help order a student’s learning tasks from basic cognitive skills(Remembering and Identifying)
to higher level thinking, such as comparing and contrasting, and/or analyzing information. The
steps of the taxonomy pyramid can be used to help the student reach their academic goals and to
progress slowly to a higher understanding of the overall topic at a steady pace. (2.2.2).
The next theorist is Albert Bandura. By his theory of learning by example and
observation, students with physical and/or cognitive exceptionalities can benefit greatly. Many
students struggle to learn unless they are shown how to do it first. By having the teacher demo
the types of questions or what students will be doing in a certain activity, many students with
autism, IEPs, and more will be able to complete the task at hand more efficiently (2.2.2). As a
student with autism, aspergers, down syndrome, and more, struggle not only with their learning
due to struggles with speech and comprehension, but with social skills as well (many students
see their disabilities and make fun of them and try to avoid them.) As many of these individuals
have communication barriers, it is hard for them to reach out and make new friends. Bandura’s
theory is that modeling might help students understand what they are supposed to do and better
work with their peers, helping them in the social aspect along with the educational side as well
(2.2.3).
Howard Gardner is credited with the multiple intelligence theory, which aims to help
students who learn verbally, logically, and musically. Many students learn by hearing the
instructions or topic, while some learn more by example or by music, games, and more inclusive
activities (2.2.4 learning style inventory). Since Gardner aims at changing up the way students
are taught and assessed to help specific learning styles, then this also differentiates for all kinds
of learning exceptionalities. Students with depression and anxiety can interact with classmates at
their pace, students with physical disabilities will have opportunities to participate in group
activities, and those with social and emotional exceptionalities can also have a chance to learn
the way they prefer and the way they do it best (2.2.2).
All of the listed theories can be utilized in helping students with an IEP, 504 plan, or an
RTI. An IEP is a legal document for students who are struggling with an academic goal, so they
receive things like one on one help and extra time on specific assignments/assessments. Students
with a 504 plan struggle in the classroom, so they are given accommodations such as teacher
notes and extra work time. An RTI is a response to intervention, where students are helped to
close their learning gap before they need to go on a plan. They recieve extra intervention and/or
support from teachers (2.2.5).
As there are many considerations when teaching students with learning and/or social
disabilities, It is important that the educator is making adjustments to meet their needs. These
theorists have come up with different ways to benefit these kids so that every student can have
the ability to thrive and be successful. The last adjustment teachers must make within their
classroom is to those who are gifted. These students need to be pushed beyond what the average
student is learning and understanding, and it just so happens that all of the theories described can
be beneficial to a gifted student as well (2.2.6). Matching theories with the needs of students will
help teachers facilitate learning for all learners.
