Standard 2

Learning Differences

The teacher uses an understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that allow each learner to reach his/her full potential

This means as the teacher you are able to understand that each student is unique in their own ways and that to be able to meet their needs in the classroom. Creating an inclusive classroom for students from all different cultures, and encourages student growth.

Artifact #1: Student Interest Survey

Indicator 2g: Understands and identifies differences in approaches to learning and performance and knows how to design instruction that uses each student's strengths to promote growth

Rationale:

The artifact is my student interest survey that was made at the beginning of my placement and helped towards my contextual factors analysis. I used this survey to try to get to know my students better inside and outside of the classroom. Asking questions specific to school and learning, but also what they like to do outside of the classroom. The answers on this survey were used to drive my instruction throughout my time in the placement.

This artifact meets learning differences because this survey asks my students questions to get to know how they learn best. Understanding that not all students learn the same way. Several of my questions specifically asks how they learn best in a math classroom which is specific to my own classroom. Acknowledging that learning differences is the first step in understanding students and then going from their to plan your instruction around your students. Indicator 2g is a great representation of this artifact because the teacher uses this survey to find out how students learn best in the classroom and how they are going to plan instruction to promote student's growth in the classroom. This survey is a great way to meeting students needs and understanding all of the learning differences in the classroom, and promoting a safe classroom environment and promote growth in all of my students. Designing instruction to meeting the needs of my students is very important to me, and I believe this survey helped me do so.

Artifact #2: Contextual Factor Analysis

Indicator 2d: Brings multiple perspectives to the discussion of content, including attention to learner's personal, family, and community experiences and cultural norms.

Rationale:

For this assignment I gathered data on the RSU 9 district and all of the different communities that are in this district. With the amount of towns located in this school district it is important to remember that students are going to come from different communities. I also gather data on this school itself, and the students in the school and in my classroom. The data that I collected helped me get to know my students and this community, and plan for instruction for all of my students.

This artifact meets this standard because the CFA is research from the community of the school and of all of the students. I recognized that students may be coming from different communities and cultures and this research has better prepared me to teach all of my students. The CFA is able to give me data on my students so I am able to create a inclusive classroom environment where all students feel safe to learn. The indicator I used for this artifact is a great representation of doing research on students personal life, and family to better understand them and to communicate with students. Overall this artifact meets this standard because I am able to do research and gather information on all of my students, and the school community to better my instruction for students.