Chapter 9: Teaching Diverse Learners

special needs

A broad range of physical, mental, social, and behavioral challenges that affect learning.

limited English proficiency (LEP)

A person's difficulty communicating effectively in English because English is not his or her native or primary language.

Individualized Education Program (IEP)

A written plan for providing a student with the most appropriate opportunity for learning.

learning diversity

Differences in learning based on abilities, interests, or experiences.

differentiated instruction

Different modes of instruction to match a student's preferred mode of learning, disability, or background.

arduous

Hard to accomplish or achieve.

accommodations

Modifications to the environment, learning strategies, or materials that are made to help students with particular special needs succeed in the classroom.

kinesthetic-tactile learners

People who learn best by performing hands-on or physical activities.

visual learners

People who learn best by seeing.

auditory learners

People who learn most easily by hearing or listening to information.

motivation

Personal incentive or drive to succeed.

stereotype

Preconceived generalizations about certain groups of people.

special education

Provides adapted programs, extra staff, and specialized equipment or learning environments or materials to help students with special needs to learn.

ethnicity

Refers to a particular racial, national, or cultural group including that group's customs, beliefs, values, and often language and religion.

English language learners (ELL)

Students that must learn English while also mastering the content of their regular classes.

exceptional learners

Students that require special educational modifications and perhaps, other services that align with their abilities and potential.

learning styles

The methods individuals prefer and find most effective to absorb and process information.

multiple intelligences

The theory that individuals have a broad range of types of intelligence, each to a different degree.

mainstreaming

When schools place students with special needs in one or more regular classes based on their expected ability to keep up with the standard curriculum.

inclusion

When students with special needs attend regular classes with the requirement that they will receive some benefit from the classes, even if they are not able to keep up academically with class requirements.