Module 6 Reflection: Assistive Technology

This module has helped me think about self-directed learners and the role of differentiation in the following ways…

    In our text it identifies four different ways in which a teacher can differentiate instruction in the classroom; Content, Process, Products, and learning environment. Looking at these four different ways, I think about if I do this for my students or how I can apply these ways to my classroom. The first was we can differentiate inside our classroom is with the content. This refers to what students are learning. Sometimes as teachers, I believe we can get caught up in the curriculum we are teaching, when it is supposed to be the standard we are teaching. The second way is through changing our process. The way students approach or learn the information can be changed based on their learning style or may need to be altered if they did not master the concept on the first try. The third way we can differentiate is in the products. Students need to be able to apply their learning in a variety of ways in order to reach mastery. The last was mentioned is to differentiate the learning environment. Students need to be able to work independently and also have times for interactions among their peers. In order to successfully differentiate in my classroom, I believe it takes really knowing your students and if I were teaching an older grade I would want to have students complete a learning style inventory. However, I do not believe Kindergarten has reached the point of knowing their specific learning style for the classroom. I want to be able to reach all of my students and these four steps give a guide into planning differentiation so that students will be provided with a rich learning experience.
    Self-directed learners are a result of a student-centered classroom. This module has made me think about how I can challenge all my students to become self-directed. How can I apply this to Kindergarten and be successful at it? Can I use formative assessment to teach them how to self-assess? These questions come to mind after reading about the self-directed learners. I can apply what I have learned to my classroom by simply following the steps and evaluating myself on how I am differentiating and how am I supporting all learning needs inside my classroom.