Macy Lorz

Section 2.2 Learner Exceptionalities

2.1.6 Compare Theories and philosophies of education and training impacting learners

with exceptionalities

If someone is thinking about becoming a teacher or is looking for things to improve in

their teaching, it is important to take into consideration educational theories. Theorists like

Benjamin Bloom, Jean Piaget, and Howard Gardner create ways for teachers to develop lesson

plans for students with exceptionalities, such as those who are gifted, have IEPś, 504 plans, or

other students with accommodations. Taking all of this into consideration, teachers are not only

able to benefit themselves, but more importantly meet the needs of the students as well.

Benjamin Bloom is a cognitive theorist that believes students should work to perform

higher forms of thinking, such as analyzing and evaluating concepts of education with high level

thinking and expanding one's mind to new ways of thinking. His theory is known as “Bloom's

Taxonomy”, which teachers may use to increase one's understanding of an educational process or

create a framework for breaking their classroom criteria down into accessible sections which can

be used to direct day-to-day lesson plans. Jean Piaget believed that as children grow and their

brains develop, they move through distinct stages that are characterized by differences in thought

processing. Piaget developed his cognitive developmental theory based on the idea that children

actively construct knowledge as they explore and manipulate the world around them. Piaget’s

theory can help a teacher in selecting developmentally appropriate materials. Lastly, Howard

Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligence reaches out to all educators and students as it

differentiates human intelligences into specific “modalities” rather than seeing intelligence as
dominated by a single general ability. His theory suggests that teachers structure their

presentation or lesson plan in a style that engages all or most of the eight intelligences to

accommodate all students (Evidence 2.2.1).

Not all disabled students require specialized instruction, however those that do are most

likely to be put on a plan or program called IEP or 504 Plan. Students who are put on an IEP,

also known as an Individualized Education Program, are students who are classified to be

significantly struggling in an academic goal. They are provided with this structured plan which

provides them with special instruction and modifications that allows them to work with their

educator in accomplishing their goals, such as receiving one-on-one help and individual weekly

meetings. On the other hand, a student with a 504 plan is provided with accommodations, like

extended time, and teacher guided notes, to ensure their academic success and access to a

positive learning environment. A 504 is less detailed and may be used on an “as needed” basis

unlike IEPs (Evidence 2.2.2).

Students with learning disabilities and exceptionalities in a classroom often struggle

working with others, dealing with their stress and emotions, and processing information

(Evidence 2.2.3). In order for a student to socially advance in a classroom the teacher may need

to provide a “safe zone” for the student so when they become stressed or overwhelmed they have

a quiet and secluded space to go to. The teacher may also encourage students to work in groups

of those with similar strengths and weaknesses to establish social behavior goals. If students with

disabilities like autism or ADHD were having mental trouble in the classroom, they may need to

be given shortened assignments, extended time on work, or limited directions because it takes

those students a lot longer to process what is being asked of them than other students in the
classroom. And finally in order to accommodate for those physically diabled, you want those

who are in wheelchairs or have trouble walking to be able to easily access everything in your

classroom so creating a positive and physically accessible environment is extremely important to

take into account, especially when designing the set up of your classroom (Evidence 2.2.4).

Teachers also need to plan for gifted students by planning extended assignments that allow the

student to demonstrate learning at a higher level.

Overall, there are several influencing theorists who propose great ideas for teachers to

follow. As a teacher, it is important to be aware of these theories so teachers can identify and

meet the needs of students with exceptionalities.