Chapter 2 - Different Ways of Learning

Daniel Goleman

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Howard Gardner

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Giftedness

A term describing individuals with exceptional ability. The National Association for Gifted Children defines 5 elements of giftedness: artistic and creative talents, intellectual and academic abilities, and leadership skills. There, however, continues to be great variance in definitions of the "gifted."

Multiple Intelligences

A theory developed by Howard Gardner to expand the concept of human intelligence to include such areas as logical-mathematical, linguistic, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, spatial, interpersonal, interpersonal, and naturalist.

Learning Disabilities

An educationally significant language and/or learning deficit.

Locus of Control

Learners may attribute success or failure to external or internal factors. "The teacher didn't review the material well" is an example of attribution to an external factor and represents an external locus of control. In this case, the learner avoids responsibility for behavior. When students have an internal locus of control, they believe that they control their fate and take responsibility for events.

Gender Similarities Hypothesis

A theory suggesting that males and females are more alike than different on most psychological and intellectual variables and therefore do not demonstrate gender-specific learning styles that require unique teaching approaches.

Portfolio

Compilations of work (such as papers, projects, videotapes) assembled to demonstrate growth, creativity, and competence. Often advocated as a more comprehensive assessment than test scores.

Advanced Placement

Courses and programs in which younger students can earn college credit.

Assistive or Adaptive Technology

Devices that help the disabled to perform and learn more effectively, from voice-activated keyboards and mechanical wheelchairs to laptops for class note taking and personal scheduling.

Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)

Federal law passed in 1990, which extends full education services and provisions to people identified with disabilities.

Emotional Intelligence Quotient

Personality characteristics, such as persistence, can be measured as part of a new human dimension referred to as EQ. Some believe that EQ scores may be better predictors of future success than IQ scores.

Special Education

Programs and instruction for children with physical, mental, emotional, or learning disabilities or gifted students who need special educational services in order to achieve at their ability level.

Learning Styles

Students learn in different ways and have different preferences, ranging from preferred light and noise levels to independent or group learning formats.

Exceptional Learners

Students who require special education and related services to realize their full potential. Categories of exceptionality include developmentally disabled, gifted, learning disabled, emotionally disturbed, and physically disabled.

Neuroplasticity

The ability of our brain to change itself and create new neural pathways.

Affective Domain

The area of learning that involves attitudes, values, and emotions.

Cognitive Domain

The area of learning that involves knowledge, information, and intellectual skills.

Regular Education Initiative

The attempt to reduce the complications and expense of segregated special education efforts by teaching special needs students in the standard educational program through collaborative consultation, curricular modifications, and environment adaptations.

Mainstreaming

The inclusion of special education students in the regular education program. The nature and extent of this inclusion should be based on meeting the special needs of the child.

Accelerated Programs

The more rapid promotion of gifted students through school.

Inclusion

The practice of educating and integrating children with disabilities into regular classroom settings.