Module 2

Concept 1: Learning Styles/Preferences 

Summary: Learning styles are defined as the way a student approaches learning and studying. Some concepts have little research behind them and others are based on solid studies. Learning preferences is a more accurate term because more research is done. This refers to preferred materials, lighting, food, or music you like when you study. By learning different learning styles you can determine if your students are visual or verbal learners. By helping students think about how they learn, you can help them develop self-awareness.

Reflection: I find it really important to learn how your students learn. This can promote the most success. Some students are visual learners and some are verbal. It took me a while to really find out the best way I learn and how I can have the most success with my education. I thought there was only one way and every student had to conform to the way the teacher taught. It wasn’t until I went back to school and worked in a school that I found out that teachers need to conform to the students. Although you can’t cater lessons and activities to fit the needs of all your students, you can be available to make sure they all stay on task and see how you can help to make things easier and better. This doesn’t mean that I don’t think you should challenge your students to see what they are capable of because I do think that. I don’t think as educators we should enable our students but sometimes things may be more difficult for one student than it is for another. I find myself being better at more independent work and work that is more visual than I do with lecture work. I believe that if we find a way to make school enjoyable and work for all our students we will have more success.

Concept 2: Signed Languages

Summary: Both spoken and signed languages have large vocabularies and complex grammars. The milestones for signed languages are the same as for spoken language. Children will say their first words around 12 months and will also sign their first words around the same time. Research shows that children exposed to signed and spoken language from birth do not cause a child to be delayed

Reflection: Sign language is a great tool for small children to have. Especially ones who are just learning spoken language. This gives them tools to be able to “say” what they need. Children often get frustrated because they communicate they need help or what they want. In the school I work in many students are non-verbal. Most of these students have AAC devices or have limited verbal communication. By teaching many of my students a few helpful sign language words this can help them communicate their wants and needs a little more. Sometimes their devices may not be charged or we might be doing something where they aren’t accessible so it's necessary they know simple words to communicate. Some of the words we teach them are “please, thank you, help, bathroom, sit down, stand up, food, drink, walk, play”. These simple requests and demands help my students and I communicate with each other. It also lets us pair words with signs. This can help our students learn the words but hearing them as well.

Concept 3: Social Class and Socioeconomic Status

Summary: Most people are aware of their social class and often have political power because of it even though they are not wealthy but because they may be members of an elite group. People may be aware they have groups above or below them. They may even show classism and believe they are better than some people. Socioeconomic status  is the social standing or class of an individual or group. It is measured as a combination of education, income and occupation. 

Reflection: I find it important to not only know our students' background but their families SES. This gives us more insight about them. It can also help us handle situations that may occur. It can help us know why they don’t bring in lunch, can’t afford to go on field trips, or on the opposite end why they also have new clothes. We have to approach situations with an unbiased opinion and make sure all our students aren’t aware of other students problems (unless told otherwise). We want all our students to feel comfortable in our hands and classrooms. If students are going through something at home we should be aware so we can offer help and make our class a safe space for them. SES is important for many reasons but I don’t think it should broadcasted. Even though our students go to the same school they can have completely different upbringings and their families can face different financial problems based on their SES.