2.3 Reflect on how Teaching Methods Meet the Needs of all Learners

2.3

As it can be difficult to assess learners formally in Community Learning as they are short 3-6 weeks courses, I believe it is important to engage and motivate the learners from the start. In reflecting on teaching methods, it is useful to understand the distinction between strategy, method and resource. 

Susan Wallace summarises this well in the following summary, `Group work is a strategy, the activity learners will engage in, in these groups, is the method and the video they watch is an example of a resource' (Susan Wallace, 2007, p.131).  The three aspects are often inter-linked, but have a clear role to play.

I have developed a range of methods and resources to link into my teaching and learning strategies. This helps to differentiate and appeals to a range of VAK learning styles.  I have also looked to mix up learners so there are plenty of opportunities for individual, pair and group work; this helps learners get to know each other, helping inclusivity and offers an opportunity for self and peer assessment.

Remembering that the emphasis is on what learning has taken place, the methods need to support the learners in achieving their learning objectives. For example, one of the learning outcomes from Session 1 is  'most learners will be able to classify the benefits of reading' and 'some (learners) will be able to explain the benefits of reading.'

I developed a set of laminated cards printed with the different benefits of reading; the teaching method is for learners to arrange the cards in a diamond shape in order of importance and feedback to the group.  This encourages collaborative learning and sharing of ideas and offers differentiation for higher level learners as they feedback to the rest of the group and give reasons for their choices.  This method is evident in the attached picture.

I felt that this activity worked well for all groups and everybody was able to participate at some level. Learners fedback that they enjoyed the group work this method encouraged and commented, 'I enjoyed sharing comments and experiences in the group' (Learner at Partington Children's Centre).