How to teach a diverse classroom of students

Every year, teachers are faced with the daunting task of teaching
to a classroom of 20-30 individual students, each with their own
learning styles, interests and abilities. optimal supply
learning for such a diverse group can seem overwhelming. Aim,
there is a simple approach that can be used that will allow
all students to succeed, and that approach is simply to use
variety and choice. This approach not only addresses the
multiple learning styles of students, but also helps to make
they are independent learners.

While the classroom still needs to have structure (routines,
rules, procedures), providing variety within that structured
environment can help provide optimal learning for all
students. Using a variety of instructional approaches such as
lectures, PowerPoint presentations, inquiry-based instruction,
hands-on experiments, project/problem based learning, or
computer-assisted instruction, not only addresses the various
learning styles of students in the classroom, but it can help
students become more flexible in their learning. Most of the students
have a preferred learning style, however this does not mean
they are strictly dependent on that style to learn. They are
also comfortable and able to learn from various other styles
too. Expose students to a wide variety of learning styles.
It will allow them to become more flexible learners.

It is also beneficial to vary the input devices used and the
resources available in the classroom. Children have a wide
variety of preferred learning devices, therefore making as many
available as possible provides this diversity. For example,
when presenting information use audio (songs, speeches,
interviews, etc.), video, books, posters, practices
handling, food and odors. Technology has made available
a wide range of resources, such as PowerPoint presentations,
live video streams, chats and communication. PowerPoint
Presentations are a great way to present information using a
mix of audio, video, animations (motion) and text. Thesis
Presentations can also be made available to students through the
computer for you to review at your own pace. The Internet/
Computers also offer interactive learning activities that combine
movement, images and sounds, such as virtual science
experiments These allow students to conduct experiments.
never before believed possible due to danger or lack of equipment.
Virtual experiments can be found at http://www.explorelearning.com.

Prior exposure to the material also aids in learning. How much more
the more familiar students are with a subject, the easier it is for newcomers
learn to happen Therefore, to provide students with a
variety of pre-exposure materials can better prepare them for
new learning units. For example, monthly calendars that list
upcoming topics, a classroom website with links to various
websites related to upcoming topics, books, magazines, maps,
Posters, computer software, and manipulatives can be provided.
for students to browse at their leisure. Provide a variety of
materials takes into account the learning preferences of
all the students.

Novelty can be used to gain and hold students’ attention.
Usually, people only pay attention to things that have value or
things that are personally significant. Therefore, relate
learning to the real life experiences or interests of your students
You can grab and hold their attention. “Shock” them with an unusual
noise, experiment, video, song, etc. You can also present them
with a problem or project that relates to your real world in
to gain their attention and interest at the beginning of
has united. Issues such as environmental problems, problems with
long lines in the cafeteria, designing the perfect playground,
planning an excursion within budget, local traffic problems,
etc. all can be considered. Make learning meaningful
relevant and interesting to your students not only earn your
initial attention, but maintains it throughout the lesson.

When planning your lessons, it is beneficial to try to include as
many of Gardner’s senses and/or multiple intelligences
(verbal-linguistic, logical-mathematical, kinesthetic, visual-
spatial, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic)
as possible. You can do this using a variety of activities
in their plans such as songs, games, experiments, excursions,
real world experiences, interviews, guest speakers, physics
movement/exercise, small group activities, individual activities,
partner activities, cooking/lunch/snacks, hands-on experiences,
etc. Providing a variety of activities will allow students from
all skill levels to succeed.

Students not only have diverse learning styles, but also different
bio-cognitive cycles too. Some students learn better in the
morning, some in the afternoon. Therefore, having flexibility
class schedule can anticipate these differences. Too,
vary the times and types of assessments you can give to all students
a fair chance to show their true abilities.

When appropriate, it is beneficial to give students choices in
activities and ratings. This provides students
opportunities to showcase their individual talents and can help
also in classroom management. If students are constantly
dictated and without voice or choice, they can grow
resentful and “act”. Provide a variety of classes
activities for students to choose from during
unstructured times, give them various projects such as posters,
PowerPoint presentations, reports, interviews, videos, brochures,
etc. to choose from when assessing your knowledge. Donation
students’ choice provides them with a sense of empowerment over
their learning and can help them decide which learning styles
and assessments work best for them, thus helping them to become
more responsible for their own learning.

It would be a pretty boring world if all students were the same.
Diversity makes the classroom more interesting and exciting.
Teachers must honor and respect the uniqueness of each
student by offering variety and choice in their classrooms. Not
this will only address the diverse needs of students, but
it will also help them become independent learners as well.
After all, isn’t that the goal of education?