TOPIC 8
Providing For Individual Differences
Introduction
This topic deals with identification and providing for individual differences that exist among
learners. More specifically we will deal with individual differences in personality, in cognition.
The topic also deals with planning for inclusive classrooms.
Topic Objectives
By the end of the topic the learner should be able to:
1. Define the key terms in the topic.
2. Outline the types of individual differences that exist in the classroom
3. Plan for an inclusive classroom that will cater for individual differences
Types of Individual Differences
There are varying differences in the way individuals respond to learning. Differences could be
cognitive, psychological, social, economic or any other differences. Examples are:
1. Physical/individual i.e. height, facial features, skin colour etc.
2. Cognitive differences. Learners differences in their motivation, perseverance and
creativity.
3. Aptitude - This is the mental age i.e. older students may score like a young student.
4. Achievement differences in terms of subject performances. It may be observed that as
students grow in age, achievement differences start emerging.
5. Intellectual differences in the ability to think abstractly while learning and integrating
new experiences and adapting to new situations. Stability of intelligence may be attained
over a long period of time.
6. Personality differences due to ethnic orientation, race, socio economic status, gender etc.
Individual differences are inherent in the individual and should therefore be catered for by the
teacher for learning to be meaningful.
An Inclusive Classroom
This is a classroom that accommodates learners with a wide range of abilities including:
Different ability in skills/competencies
Those with learning disabilities
Slow learners
Those with attention deficit disorder
Those with behavior disorder
As a teacher you need to plan and accommodate these varieties of learners in the given
classroom setting.
Ways of accommodating individual differences in the classroom
1. Using integration techniques i.e.
Planning for instruction taking into consideration the individual differences in terms of
learning methods, resources activities etc.
Varying assignments i.e. practical, oral and written.
Grouping slow learners for remedial.
Those with attention deficit could be seated near the teacher for monitoring.
Separation of a learner from the others.
Placing a weaker learner next to a gifted one.
Repeat instruction if possible.
Provide additional time to slow learners.
Putting learners in small groups in order for them to learn together.
A teacher may assist leaners with learning disorders for them to begin their work
properly.
2. Choosing meaningful content that is motivating and available to all.
3. Use flexible groups i.e
allowing learners to choose group members
grouping learners based on interest, needs or skills
changing groups frequently.
4. Use different learning materials and resources
5. Vary lesson format and structure through occasionally giving learners task for them to
research on.
6. Use of a variety of assessment tools group work, tests, demonstrations e.t.c.
Summary
This topic has summarized types of individual differences and how to plan for an inclusive
classroom. The next topic discusses evaluation of learning effectiveness.