February+9th+Assignments




 * Universal Design for Learning: A Guide for Teachers and Educational Professionals**

__Chapter Three:__

The different instructional methods that are mentioned in this chapter and are described at length are differentiated instruction, cooperative learning, thematic teaching units, alternative/community-based instruction, and learning strategies/study skills approach. Other instructional strategies that are mentioned are concept maps, anchored instruction, modified text, text-to-speech, manipulatives, simulations, technology tools, and models.

Differentiated instruction begins with whole-class instruction and the accommodation for diversity begins as the class breaks into smaller groups. These different groups are organized by readiness for what is being studied, and each group is given a different assignment or an opportunity to choose an assignment/activity. The groups work together to understand and complete the assignments or activities. In this method, the same concept is being taught and explored, but in different ways.

In cooperative learning, the students are again put into small groupings, but in this case, the students are heterogeneously mixed in terms of ability level. Also, these groups are more long-term. The more proficient learners are able to aid the students who may be struggling to grasp the material. In this situation the students are being assessed en masse, allowing for the diversity of learning. Within the group, each person has a specified role, which allows the students to demonstrate their learning in different ways.

Thematic teaching units focus in on a particular topic and apply it to all the content areas. The example given in the text is snowflakes. This method allows for total integration and for the student to get more engaged with the topic as he or she explores it from every angle. Each subject will supplement the others, so there is room for diversity among students in their learning. Additionally, the forms of assessment and manifestations of the student’s understanding are also tied together. For example, if a math concept evades a student, they may feel more comfortable attempting it in terms of snowflakes after reading a poem about snowflakes and learning the science behind how snowflakes form.

Alternative instruction/community-based instruction is similar to thematic teaching units in that it gives greater meaning to the material. In alternative instruction/community-based instruction, the topics are given real life applications and community ties. This offers an alternative way to approach the content in a way that is more meaningful for the student. This increased meaning leads to more engagement. This also translates into how the students are able to show what they’ve learned.

The learning strategies/study skills approach does not focus on the particular content areas, rather on basic skills within the content areas. An example is picking up predicting and inferring skills in reading. This does not connect being applied to ways that diverse students learner, beyond supplementing their instruction.

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 * Reading Interactivate Screencast:**

**Popplets**

The popplet on New York was very visually pleasing. The content is about different landmarks, primarily food related. They have the best burgers, best pizza places, as well as two specific places to get cupcakes (Two Little Red Hens) and other delicacies (Prune). Also featured is the inside of a museum, which I think is the Guggenheim. The organization is not linear; rather you can go from part to part depending on interests.

The popplet entitled, “Cabin Project: Mood” is much larger, and is initially overwhelming. But, the organization of this popplet is a little more overt. It is organized by purpose. For example, “outdoor landscapes” and “the outdoor room.” Also, from what it seems, the different items or products are linked to the store or company that they can be purchased from. This popplet is like a glorified shopping list. Again, the organization is not linear. There are little details coming off of various products, giving potential ideas.