Standard 1: Learner Development

Artifact: Case Study-Learner Development Course: ED289-Educational Psychology The Case Study Learner Development Assignment that I completed in my Educational Psychology course provides evidence that I have met Hawaii Teacher Standards Boards: Standard 1, Learner Development. For the Case Study I was required to collect information about the students brain, language, physical, social, psychological and moral development. I did this through observation and interview. In this way I was seeking out a better understanding of a specific learners development. I then was expected to apply teaching methods to enhance that students learning experience. I began by collecting information about the student from the parents and interviewing my case study subject. I followed this action by researching the typical development of a child at my subjects age and grade level. I then researched, the developmental changes that occur in a child that has suffered from early trauma and malnutrition. After which, I spent time observing the subject on different occasions in differing settings and circumstances. With this information in mind I sought out teaching strategies that met the specific needs the child that I had observed. I have chosen this artifact for standard 1, Learner development because I believe it best represents my ability to, understand that each learners cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical development influences learning and know how to make instructional decisions that build on learners strengths and needs(1e). I have found that each of the contributors listed above influence the development of a childs learning. In Mykahs case, she had some learning disabilities from early brain trauma. Linguistically, she came to the US as an early ELL student and made huge strides mastering the English fluency of a typical 6 year old in only 3 years. These two issues contributed heavily to her classroom behavior when enrolled in a small preschool at the age of 4. Making it necessary for her family to consider having psychological evaluations as to her need for medication. Eventually opting to keep her home for more specified teaching that met her personal needs. With this developmental knowledge, I was required to seek out teaching strategies that best fit the case studies strengths and needs. For Mykah, she struggled academically but thrived kinesthetically, Making physical activities involving movement the best means of introducing her to new information. I chose activities that provided scaffolding, one on one with a modeling adult. The lesson was one that she could do in her own home because she homeschooled. I made the instructional activity concise, interesting and rewarding. I also specifically chose a lesson that would challenge her mentally and allow her to be successful physically. Through this experience I have learned that my students will all have differing learner development and that must work hard to make sure that my lessons meet the strengths and needs of my students and are not one size fits all.