Differentiated Instruction

In my room I do Guided Reading. I believe it is a great way to have students succeeding at their instructional level. Not only are they succeeding but they are also improving throughout the year. It is wonderful to see a child's progress from the start of the year to the end. The students also really enjoy it and since it is done in small groups they feel a lot more comfortable to participate in the discuss around the material. It is great to see students give their opinion on something when usually in a big group setting they choose not to participate. To see struggling students succeed in the classroom is one of the greatest gifts a teacher can receive.

Effective Instructional Strategy

The strategy that I have used in classroom a number of times and have found very effective is peer tutoring. I often use it in my math class. I pair up students who know the material with students that are struggling with it. It is a win win situation for both students because the tutors are learning the material on a different level plus are exploring leadership responsibilities. The ones that are being tutored are being taught the material in a different way and it may help them have a better understanding of the concept. It is also promoting co-operation amongst students. It has been a very successful strategy in my classroom.

What do you feel you need to learn more about to make yourself a confident special education practitioner?

I believe I still need to obtain more information with the different types of learning difficulties our student may possess. The information I have learned thus far has been very beneficial, however, I still think I need more knowledge on the disorders I have learned about plus other ones not yet covered.

What has been the most important aspect of your experience with the post- degree certificate so far?

Since beginning this program, I have learned a lot of valuable information. As a classroom teacher, I have taken this knowledge and have applied it to my day to day planning and assessment. I view students and situations differently because of the insight I have obtained from the material in this program and the wisdom from my fellow classmates!