How do you meet the needs of diverse learners in your educational setting? by Mary McDonald https://padlet.com/mcdonaldmm/l18fou7ls81z Let's pool our resources. en-us 2018-11-07 15:34:17 UTC 2018-11-24 17:11:52 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Lightdecrease.png Environmental Assessment for Learning by Mary McDonald https://padlet.com/mcdonaldmm/l18fou7ls81z/wish/302901821 I created an approach I call the Environmental Assessment for Learning, in which a parent/teacher/student can assess the three layers of an educational environment to find and address potential barriers for diverse learners. The first is a video, Alice's Story, which shows this process in action -- presenting Alice's teacher with a recipe for access and success for Alice. The next links present the barriers and potential resources and solutions for the three layers of an educational environment -- the physical layer, the cognitive layer, and the social/emotional layer for both elementary aged students and students in highschool and post-secondary.

Alice's story!! https://youtu.be/wHN6MGr2W5Q
Environmental Assessment for Learning:







]]> 2018-11-10 19:30:53 UTC https://padlet.com/mcdonaldmm/l18fou7ls81z/wish/302901821 Matt - religious diversity mbwilde https://padlet.com/mcdonaldmm/l18fou7ls81z/wish/304628365 I work in the field of religion...which can be a tricky topic.  The best way I've found to reach the different learners is to try and understand where they are coming from and that takes a lot of understanding of their religious background.  I feel like passing on this information to the next generation is critical.  This site has some great resources for teaching varying grade levels about teaching tolerance and diversity .... including in the field of religion: https://www.tolerance.org/classroom-resources/learning-plans]]> 2018-11-15 03:01:56 UTC https://padlet.com/mcdonaldmm/l18fou7ls81z/wish/304628365 Marc - Core Values https://padlet.com/mcdonaldmm/l18fou7ls81z/wish/305088144 This is at a higher level, but for us it starts with our core values and how we define ourselves as an institution. These values are all interconnected. For example, our core value of innovation enables the core value of equity. Innovation cannot only be seen in terms of technological advancement, but should also describe our thinking and how we evolve to best meet the needs of our diverse student population. These core values are so important since they inform and motivate decision making that ultimately impacts the entire student experience both inside and outside of the classroom.]]> 2018-11-16 01:17:36 UTC https://padlet.com/mcdonaldmm/l18fou7ls81z/wish/305088144 Shauna - Reactionary Approach :) roch_shauna https://padlet.com/mcdonaldmm/l18fou7ls81z/wish/305494560 I think right now my institution is taking a reactionary stance to meeting the needs of all learners. We are still learning about how to make the learning environment accessible for all, and sometimes this is by requests from students. It could be by offering options (flexibility). I recently had a student who for health reasons could not leave her home. She was very thankful to have the option to study online. I also have students who work full time and are single parents and also appreciate the online option. It could also be that we are now starting to be much more flexible in terms of due dates and course progression as everyone learns at different rates. ]]> 2018-11-17 02:22:28 UTC https://padlet.com/mcdonaldmm/l18fou7ls81z/wish/305494560 Chris - Learn from the learners gnowsirhc https://padlet.com/mcdonaldmm/l18fou7ls81z/wish/305615879 I think it is important to understand that while I may be the teacher, everyone in the classroom brings ideas and perspectives to share. Asking students to contribute to the design of the classroom (both physical - desk setup, and cultural - rules and assessment practices) can help students have a sense of ownership and agency in the classroom. The students can better advocate for themselves when they are given the ability to engage in a conversation with the teacher. For example, if students don't like to do a test to demonstrate that they understand something, asking them how they would like to demonstrate their understanding can be an empowering question that many of them may never have been asked before.]]> 2018-11-18 05:55:39 UTC https://padlet.com/mcdonaldmm/l18fou7ls81z/wish/305615879 Marwa -Start with Attitudes/ Support Services marwa_akotb https://padlet.com/mcdonaldmm/l18fou7ls81z/wish/305692310 The topic is quite relevant to me personally. I have a triple citizenship. The given resources defined a set of variables that educators need to be consider to embrace diversity. The most difficult among to cultivate are the differences in ethnic groupings, socioeconomic conditions, and cultures. Yet, as highlighted these variables have the most impact on learners’ performance. In my opinion, embracing these variables starts with the educators’ attitudes towards minority groups. Positive attitudes towards the different learners are quite linked to these learners’ success. Another important factor is the availability of support services outside the classroom, for instance, educational institutes/educators can set language programs for those whom English or French is a second language. These programs are extremely powerful to provide these minorities the needed skills/equipment to pursue success. ]]> 2018-11-18 18:28:53 UTC https://padlet.com/mcdonaldmm/l18fou7ls81z/wish/305692310 Amanda https://padlet.com/mcdonaldmm/l18fou7ls81z/wish/306188652 One of the ways I try to meet the diverse needs of learners is with thorough ice breaker activities. The activities I have created not only present a platform for learners and myself to get to know each other, but also so I can learn about their preferences, interests, and anxieties in regards to learning. I also use formative assessment to 'health check' how the content and my teaching meet their preferences or if any new learning roadblocks emerge.]]> 2018-11-20 03:41:54 UTC https://padlet.com/mcdonaldmm/l18fou7ls81z/wish/306188652