Instructional Methods for Any Students:
Just as no two humans are the same, no two learners are the same. As educators we need to be able to adapt our lesson plans to meet the needs of ALL students. It is our responsibility to meet the diverse needs of our diverse learners. We live in a time where we have endless amounts of resources available to us at our fingertips. In my opinion the best way to identify which instructional methods to use with your students is to know what kind of learner they are. There are so many different online tests that students can take to identify which kind of learner they are. Then based on that information you can create lessons that incorporate components for your diverse learners.
Here is a website that you can have your students take to identify what kind of learner they are:
http://www.edutopia.org/multiple-intelligences-assessment
http://www.lkdsb.net/program/elementary/intermediate/di/files/stu2.pdf
http://kids.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Learning_Style_Test_for_Children
Once you have gathered what kind of learners your students are you can base your lesson plans from there. Personally I am a huge fan of the blended learning model for students. Blended learning provides students with face-to-face instruction as well as personalized online learning opportunities. This kind of model allows for flexibility and individualized learning opportunities for students. Dreambox Learning stated that in a 2010 study from the U.S. Department of Education, blended learning classes produced statistically better results than the traditional method. Blended learning has six different models; 1) Face to face, 2) Rotational, 3) Flex, 4) Online Lab, 5) Self Blend, and 6) Online Driver model. Each different type of model has it's beneifts. It is best to choose the model that best fits your students and their learning styles. The beauty about blended learning is that it can be applied for all students. You can use blended learning for your struggling learners to your most advanced students. It's purpose is to be more individualized for all your students in an efficient, productive, and meaningful manner.
Below is an excellent video about blended learning:
Here is a website that you can have your students take to identify what kind of learner they are:
http://www.edutopia.org/multiple-intelligences-assessment
http://www.lkdsb.net/program/elementary/intermediate/di/files/stu2.pdf
http://kids.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Learning_Style_Test_for_Children
Once you have gathered what kind of learners your students are you can base your lesson plans from there. Personally I am a huge fan of the blended learning model for students. Blended learning provides students with face-to-face instruction as well as personalized online learning opportunities. This kind of model allows for flexibility and individualized learning opportunities for students. Dreambox Learning stated that in a 2010 study from the U.S. Department of Education, blended learning classes produced statistically better results than the traditional method. Blended learning has six different models; 1) Face to face, 2) Rotational, 3) Flex, 4) Online Lab, 5) Self Blend, and 6) Online Driver model. Each different type of model has it's beneifts. It is best to choose the model that best fits your students and their learning styles. The beauty about blended learning is that it can be applied for all students. You can use blended learning for your struggling learners to your most advanced students. It's purpose is to be more individualized for all your students in an efficient, productive, and meaningful manner.
Below is an excellent video about blended learning:
Resources:
6 models of blended learning. (2013, October 23). Retrieved from according to a 2010 study from the U.S. Department of Education, blended learning classes produce statistically better results than their face-to-face, non-hybrid equivalents. - See more at: http://www.dreambox.com/blog/6-models-blended-learning#sthash.d6
6 models of blended learning. (2013, October 23). Retrieved from according to a 2010 study from the U.S. Department of Education, blended learning classes produce statistically better results than their face-to-face, non-hybrid equivalents. - See more at: http://www.dreambox.com/blog/6-models-blended-learning#sthash.d6