2.

2 Learner Exceptionalities

2.1.6 Compare theories and philosophies of education and training impacting learners with

exceptionalities.

Teaching has become not only a profession focused on delivering information to

student’s, but also changing and modifying materials to make sure each and every student needs

are met. Through the work of highly respected theorists such as Benjamin Bloom, Albert

Bandura and Jean Piaget, there are different methods teachers can use to differenciate in the

classroom. Personalized plans such as IEPs and 504 plans are made to assist in the direction of

teachers for students with disabilities to ensure that everyone gets the most out of their education

process.

In the classroom, differentiation is a key skill all teachers need to understand how to

incorporate into their classroom. Benjamin Bloom first hits on this topic through his taxonomy of

how teachers can categorize the thought process to help students develop higher order thinking.

In his analysis, he explains the levels of comprehension that students fall under which allows

teachers to correctly adapt to their needs (Evidence 2.2.1). With this information, teachers can

extend lessons with different lessons that are tailored to students who are hands on, visual,

auditory or other learners. This is similar to Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligence,

which “differentiates human intelligences into specific modalities, rather than seeing intelligence

as adominated by a single gerneral ability” (Evidence 2.2.2). While using Gardner’s idea of

separating students based on intelligence and following their comprehension skills, it can be

easier for the teacher to differenciate to the needs of each student.

 To ensure differentiation, there are also different plans used by students that need extra

and specific help, called IEPs and 504 plans. Normally when a student is struggling in school

with aspects such as reading, writing or other common core areas, they are assessed to see if

there are further plans of action to help the student succeed to the best of their ability. With 504

plans, there are accommodations that students are given to help with barriers to learning. These

are normally a 4 page legal document that allows the student to be more independent with their

education but can have assistence is needed. 504 plans are put in place when students struggle

with health or everyday life problems that need accommodations. However in more extreme

cases there are IEPs which are certain goals that the administration, teachers and students try to

achieve together. These are 15 page legal documents that allow a specialist to be present in the

classroom and are more specific when handling everyday school life (Evidence 2.2.3)

Teachers can also design their classroom to accommodate students with social, mental or

physical limitations. For example they could make corners for students with autism that need a

quiet space to calm down, and recuperate. (Evidence 2.2.4) Other sides of the room can be

tailored to the more hands on type of learning for those that need to see to learn. John Dewey

was passionate about this idea of learning that should be relevant and have a place to be active.

(Evidence 2.2.5). This can be seen also in a classroom set up.

Overall, there are many different ways that teachers can differenciate in the classroom,

whether it be using Bloom’s idea of monitoring, or Garder’s of grouping or simplying giving

space in the classroom to highlight hands-on and independent learning. Along with

differenciating, teachers need to be aware of students that may need a little more help in the
classroom, and be accomodating of their needs to make sure that every student gets the best

education they can.