| |
We
are all different. Every child in every class in every
school in the land is different. And yet we have a ‘one
size fits all’ curriculum that everyone must follow.
How can we best deal with this apparent anomaly, in
order to provide meaningful learning experiences for
all students?
Teachers are now discouraged from grouping children
according to abilities – inclusion is the buzzword.
So, radical solutions are needed to help all children
learn within a group, whatever their personal and academic
needs, and whatever their social background.
This book analyses the issues surrounding the world
of difference we see in schools today. It unpacks the
elements of diversity – personality, intelligence,
styles of learning and communicating, social class,
gender, race, culture, ethnicity, learning difficulties,
disability, views and values – and suggests practical
strategies to make teachers’ lives easier and
their students’ study less stressful. All children
need personal skills, particularly communication and
co-operation skills, in order to cope with learning
within their own context and at their own level. This
book considers how such key skills emerge from the interaction
of physical, mental, emotional and social development,
and suggests initiatives such as the Critical Skills
Programme and the Communication Opportunity Group Scheme
to give students from every background more chances
to talk, think, express feelings and share views.
A comprehensive overview of common learning difficulties
and medical conditions in children is also provided
– including characteristics of each condition,
classroom organization tips, and contact details of
relevant support groups – with the aim of helping
educators further develop their management of individuals
and diverse groups.
If you have an interest in making education work –
whether you are a teacher, teaching assistant, school
counsellor, social worker, therapist, psychologist or
other educator – A World of Difference is
for you.
|
|
