Learners: Pt 3

The typical American classroom involves, students coming into the classroom, ready to learn. There are the exceptions though; these are what are changing the way the American classrooms run. Students with different learning needs are becoming more and more apparent. They think differently, see things differently, ask different questions, and need different services. Education thus is becoming more and more challenging, leaving the teacher to design a more arduous curriculum that encompasses all students. The ability to differentiate instruction and learning styles is essential to the educational process.

The number of Special Education students with special needs and services is growing across the world. This classification of special education can mean a wide range of things. The majority lie in the mild to moderate classification of disabilities. These students typically have learning disabilities, emotional disturbances, or mental functioning problems. Usually with modification and diversification of the curriculum, these students can be successful. Special Education teachers typically use a variety of methods to help the students learn to be successful both in and outside of the classroom. Teaching and learning in these cases is mostly on an individualized front. Figuring out what methodologies works bests with the student (individualized, small group, problem solving, hands-on, etc). Each child with a disability has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that shows the students’ needs, goals, and strategies that work best, transition plans, along with other things that help the student be able to learn.

In reality, the term “special education” is not necessary to distinguish between “normal” and “special” learners. It is the teacher’s job to enable all students to be able to learn, to understand how to learn, and to learn the tools needed to be successful in life. If a teacher cannot diversify the lessons according to each student, then that teacher needs to learn how to learn. Teachers can in turn teach each student effectively, no matter what their ability levels are. Diversifying the curriculum according to the needs of the students is essential for any student to succeed, it does not matter if they are the next genius or not. Each student excels in his or her own areas and that is what needs to be capitalized on.

In America, autism and autism related disorders are growing like wild fire. The definition of autism is a “neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.”[1][1] These students bring more challenges to the classroom. They often have different types of behaviors, needs, and modifications. The main thing is how they think; their thought processes are abstract and unique. They often function at different levels, yet those that want to learn, can learn. Those that choose not to, have more difficulties. Forcing knowledge, skills, and education on anyone does not work well. It does not matter the mental capabilities, physical challenges, or social issues. If there is a want to learn, there is a need for a teacher to adapt and modify the curriculum and lessons, so that the individual can explore their own thoughts and ideas.

Autism and communication, rather miscommunications, become major problems for all involved to deal with. Autistic students have difficulties expressing themselves verbally, orally, and physically. Often times, other means and strategies need to be used, so that their ideas can be conveyed effectively. Autistic children have a lot of difficulties in speaking what is on their mind and showing their emotions. Unique and creative methods can help these innovative thinkers to be successful. Autistic people tend to have very different and intriguing ways of

thinking, looking at the world, and considering the possibilities of things. Perseverating on things and looking at things too in depth or not enough become major communication issues. Technology, picture stories, and cues become very helpful when dealing with enabling autistic students to be successful.

Vocational programming or hands on learning experiences helps immensely to get students involved in their learning and their future. Everyone thinks and learns differently, through accommodating the various needs it helps to keep students learning and in school. Exploration of new ideas, concepts, and activities helps create a better, more informed individual.

Technology has changed the educational world as we once knew it. The information age has influenced every sector of education. From Internet sources, to online journals, to online chat rooms, blogs, and pod castings; it’s ever changing. The way that information is learned, shared, and spread is intriguing. Virtual classrooms, online courses, and other methodologies only reinforce the need that students need to be taught how to learn and explore on their own. If there is not any internal motivation, need, or want to delve into uncharted territories, it will remain unexplored and unidentified. Field being and technology become intertwined with each other due to the creativity, the diverse thinking, and the expression of ideas. Field being allows for these aspects to grow and penetrate the society at large. Thinking outside the normal parameters is what technology and field being allows us to accomplish.

The major thing that one needs to consider when weighing the benefits with negatives of technology is the fact that it can lead to a feeling of dehumanizing. This can happen, if ideas and issues are posted online, without any responses. Blogs, emails, virtual discussion, and other forms of online forums help to eliminate this sense of turning into a dehumanizing world. Connections from around the world can be made; collaborations of great minds and ideas can be shared. This leads to enhancing our knowledge base, so that it can be shared with students and get their minds working to solve and question other theories and ideas.