1) I did not realize that there is one needs to draw the difference between students with disabilities and gifted students. I have been in Universal Design for Learning and haven't learned anything about that. I m so glad we are covering it! In terms of a myth, I always thought it is better for kids to have more friends. It is good to hear one or two friends is perfectly healthy.
2) I am going to ensure that students are given the space they need. Sometimes it is okay for students to work alone or with one other person as opposed to a group. Using various interactive technologies like google docs will be helpful. Google forms in general allow students to turn in assignments and collaborate, but also gives them the option of working alone so as not to feel overwhelmed. Kind of like an interactive video game allows a student to collaborate with people all over the world in the privacy of their home (as mentioned in the video).
I am right there with you Caleb. I didn't realize a student could have a learning disability and still be considered gifted. It makes you wonder if some of the people we may know could have been gifted students and were simply held back by an un-diagnosed learning disability. I like the google forms idea you suggested. The option to work alone or work together was a big thing I also took away from the videos.
ReplyDeleteI agree that students should often be given the freedom to work alone if they choose. Though what if they never learn collaboration skills? After high school, it is hard to find a job or a place in the adult world that does not require some sort of group interaction and collaboration. I do think students should be given some space as needed, though I think they may just need some help when it comes to working with others. It may be hard to get them to comply with group work at first, and your Google Doc idea is a great way to ease into group work.
ReplyDeleteEmily, a good idea if the group is another one or two gifted students. They will learn the skills of collaboration, being heard and understood while hearing other higher level discussion and opinions.
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