I am noticing that my student has began expecting challenge and differentiation. She looks forward to it, and truly enjoys the challenge. However, a question has arisen. Do gifted students really benefit from heterogenous grouping? We have been told numerous times how beneficial cooperative learning is. However, the more I do it, the more I wonder who this really benefits. I know that struggling students get the benefit of being supported by the higher level of learners. Supposedly, the higher learners benefit as they practice teaching the content. However, is this settling? Is this really pushing their boundaries, and stimulating them, or is this simply a one-way street. I plan to investigate this strand of my inquiry further.
However, I have continued certain strategies to ensure that my focus student is engaged and stimulated.
However, I have continued certain strategies to ensure that my focus student is engaged and stimulated.
I have continued to differentiate Gillian's homework. I simply provide a sticky note to her so that she knows what she has to do specifically. I believe that benefit of this sticky note is that it is subtle, and does not draw attention to her, making her feel judged. Students do not need to know of the modifications that she receives, and I believe that she is more comfortable with this method.
Gillian thoroughly enjoys buddy work. This photo is her and a new student. The student struggles as he is now transitioning to a new school, and Gillian volunteered herself to assist him in weaker areas. This may include going over homework with him, tests, or anything that he thinks he needs assistance in. When I observe this, I can see that Gillian thoroughly enjoys it, and does not see it as a burden. Additionally, she is able to refresh her memory of concepts learn, and I see her engaged and challenged as she finds the best teaching methods for the student to grasp the concepts.