Week 9

This week, I dedicated significant effort to understanding different learning styles by listening to "The Cult of Pedagogy" podcast, hosted by Jennifer Gonzalez. In this episode, she featured a guest speaker who discussed various multi-sensory systems.

The speaker explained three key systems:

1. The proprioceptive system, which helps us understand our body's position in space.

2. The vestibular system, which relates to our sense of balance and spatial orientation. It helps us understand where our head is in space and keeps our eyes oriented.

3. The interoceptive system, which involves our awareness of internal bodily sensations. This system helps us recognize internal needs and organic functions, such as noticing when our heart is beating too fast and realizing we need to slow down or stop. It also includes awareness of basic needs, like recognizing when we need to use the bathroom because our bladder is full.

These systems collectively contribute to our internal awareness and how we perceive and interact with our environment.

 I have a student with ADHD in my class, and I'm working to make the classroom a more welcoming place where he can contribute and engage meaningfully while also keeping himself and others safe. This has been challenging, but the podcast has helped me realize that my role as a teacher extends beyond ensuring immediate safety in the classroom. It's also about helping students learn to coexist with their minds and bodies, and teaching them to be aware of their needs, as discussed in the podcast.

This insight is expanding my understanding of how to improve my approaches to supporting students with disabilities. I recognize the importance of developing strategies that address their unique needs, helping them navigate their sensory experiences, and fostering an inclusive learning environment. By enhancing my knowledge and skills in this area, I aim to become the best possible teacher for all my students, particularly those with diverse learning needs.