Isolation of High Level Learners
Yes, the learners in the higher levels of speaking and writing have issues in the classroom as well. I know that we are discussing some of the ELL and English deficient learners, but a chasm also exists between the so-called gifted learners and others.
One of the most important lessons that I have ever learned was the simple KISS method. "Keep It Simple, Stupid" is very important to writing and speaking in order to communicate effectively with all levels of learning. Some of my students who have larger vocabularies and higher verbal levels get bored and feel left out because they are being held back in a basic classroom.
I have made accomodations for the ELL and learning challenged students. I read tests to them, assist them with tutoring, help them learn concepts through repetition.
What do I do to the higher level learners? I mean, they are finished with the assignments early, have less need for the basics, etc. Do I give them more work simply because they understand? As a former "gifted" student, I used to resent this. I was bored, but why should I have more work when others were just being assigned work that I could finish simply? Also, why should I attend class if I could teach myself faster?
I think that the high level learner should be considered as well as the more challenged learner. What are your suggestions?
Greetings Robin!
Ask the higher level learner what they need from you - don't assume that we have all the answers. These are adult learners after all so allow them to play a role in their own learning experience. You will probably be pleasantly surprised at the responses.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Our advanced students do indeed present a delightful challenge, don't they.
My students usually get some chance to shape their assignments to their personal interests, and I have each one check in with me about their plans. I can encourage the gifted students to make their assignments more complex, requiring more thinking or deeper thinking, without really requiring more work.
I was remembering how I handled being bored in class. Often, my teachers were happy to have me simply read on my own. My elementary teachers sent me to the back of the room for art projects (not something I can do for my students now). In college, I sat back a few rows and worked on assignments for other classes.
When my daughter hit the boredom barrier, I asked her to redesign the lessons her teacher was presenting. How would she make it more interesting, more compelling? I think I'll try that with my own students. They may have suggestions that could make the lessons work for all learning levels.
These students can also play a big role as tutors for other class members--sometimes they understand better the learning blocks to their fellow students more than the instructor may. I find that this can make a big difference in the whole class reaching the needed levels of expertise to keep the class somewhat on the same level!!
That's a humbling response, "We don't have all the answers." I need to remember that pertaining to this situation. Thanks!
