Students often struggle in class because the teacher teaches to only part of the class, often the average students. This means that the higher ability students never get challenged and the lower ability students get lost. The lesson is given to those right in the middle and is often designed to be general enough that everyone can understand. In some cases, an experienced or skilled teacher will teach to the upper end kids. In either case, only one third of the class is challenged while the other two thirds are bored or lost.
Imagine going to a restaurant that only serves one dish, lets’ say a pasta meal. Those who wanted a light salad or a meaty steak are out of luck, even though they might eat the pasta. It is easy to make and feeds everyone. This is similar to what happens in the classroom when a generic lesson is given that only challenges a few students.
In the classroom the same spelling test is often given to entire class. The good spellers will get one hundred percent without studying. The average students will get a few wrong whether they study or not. The weak spellers won’t have a hope of getting a high mark and will often have to spend some recess or noon time as punishment. It is an assignment where success is tough to measure.
Ideally in a class every student should be challenged or at least allowed to work at his or her own level. Using the spelling test as an example, there should be challenging words like “attention” or “automatic” for the good spellers and basic words like “blocked” or “jumping” for those students who are still learning phonetic rules. There should also be two tests, one before they study and one after they study so any improvements can be measured. Although this may seem like too much of a hassle, true learning will take place.
Allowing students to work at different levels can work in all classes. Math questions can be placed on the board in levels to allow students to choose the questions they are capable of doing. In music experienced students can play complex harmonies while new students can play simple harmonies. Students taking part in silent reading time can be taught to select books that match their reading ability. By allowing students to complete work that matches their ability, you give them ownership of their learning and with help them reach their full potential.
All students should be given the chance to learn and be challenged, no matter what their ability is. Being a great teacher means allowing students to be all they can be.
Darren Michalczuk is the founder of the Brick School. He is an experienced classroom teacher who has developed many programs and resources for math, language and music. The Brick School offers quality educational posters, programs and worksheets online for elementary language arts, math and music. Materials are designed to promote effective learning strategies in an easy to understand, straight-forward format. They offer both practical solutions to learning problems and leading edge technology and techniques. It reaches both struggling students and those who need extra challenges in class.With the latest software and leading edge learning strategies, our materials are paving the way for learning. User-friendly porgrams give students instant feedback while they practice important basic skills. Lessons and study guides also include proven learning strategies and memories techniques. Please visit our website. http://brickschool.ca
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