Episode 5

Individual Differences and Learner Interaction

(Levels of Abilities)

This episode provides an opportunity for me to observe how differences in abilities affecting interaction
in school, and learn about strategies that teachers use in addressing the learners’ different needs t p
effective learning.

My Target
At the end of this activity, I must be competent in identifying the needs of students with different levels of
abilities in the classroom and choosing effective strategies to address te diverse needs of the learners

My Map

To realize my Intended Learning Outcomes, I will work my way through these steps.

1. Identify two or more learners of different abilities but from the same grade or year 2.
2. Find out some information about their background.
3. 3. Observe them as they participate in a classroom activity and how the teacher addresses their
needs.
4. 4. Write a narrative report and a brief reflection on your experience.

My Tools

Use the activity form provided for you to document your observations.
 An Observation Guide for Individual Differences

Read the following carefully before you begin to observe. Then write your observation
report on the space provided.

1. Observe the class to see the differences in abilities of the learners.

2. Try to identify the students who seem to be performing well and those that seem to be behind.
3. Validate your observations by asking the teacher about the background (family, socio-economic,
presence of some learning disability, etc.) of these children.
4. Observe the behavior of both the high achieving and low-achieving learners. Note their
dispositions, pace in accomplishing tasks, interaction with teacher, and interaction with others.
5. Observe the teacher's method in addressing the individual learning needs of the students in his/her
class.
 OBSERVATION REPORT

Name of the School Observed __________________________________________________

School Address ______________________________________________________________

Date of Visit _________________________________________________________________

My Analysis

1. Did your observation match the information given by the teacher? Were you able to correctly
identify who among the students performed well and who did not? What behaviors helped you
identify them? (Volunteering to answer, responding to teacher's directions, etc.)
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2. Describe the differences in ability levels of the students in the class. Is there a wide gap between
the students who are performing well and those that are not?
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3. Describe the methods used by the teacher im handling thr students' differences in abilities. How
did the students respond to the teacher? Did the teacher use differentiated instruction? If yes,
describe how.

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My Reflections

1. Recall the time when you were in the elementary or high school. Recall the high and low
achievers in your class. How did your teacher deal with differences in abilities? Was your teacher
effective?

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My Learning Portfolio

With the principle of individual differences in mind, what methods and strategies will you
remember in the future to ensure that you will be able to meet the needs of both the high and low
achievers in your class? Make a collection of strategies on how to address the students' different ability
levels.

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