Intellectual Disabilities: Differentiated Skills Based Curriculum

 

Differentiated Instruction – embraces the fact that we all have preferred ways to absorb information, prefer different ways to show what we have learned and learn best when we are interested, motivated and challenged.

For the student with intellectual disability, differentiated instruction in the classroom would look like this:

• A variety of learning materials – including hands-on models  

 

• Positive and student-centred lessons

• Multiple resources

• Choice in learning and assessment activities

• Individual projects – to reflect interests

• Variety of groupings and learning environments

• Fieldtrips – to engage interest and motivate

All 3 theories or approaches represent a better way to teach all students and especially those students with exceptionalities.

 

Best Practice Tips – Primary, Junior and Secondary levels

Environmental

•  reduce visual and auditory distractions
• use preferential seating, student to sit close to teacher
• post reference material in class (periodic tables, multiplication sheets, etc.)

Instructional 

• use methods that relate to strengths and interests of the student
• use differentiated instruction methods frequently
• use repetition
• use concrete pictures, models and hands-on materials (students with I.D. are often strong visual learners)

Learning about renewable energy with Lego

Learning Numbers with Shut the Box

Assessment

• quiet work locations and additional time
• oral or scribed tests
• reference sheet for tests                                         
• written instructions and rubric                                   
• chunk assignments into smaller parts (task analysis)
• immediate feedback for each chunk

   Positive attitudes - recognition and acceptance that these are students like any other with likes and dislikes, and idiosyncratic behaviours and a capacity to learn (albeit at a slower rate).  Professionals must have faith, patience, effort, flexibility, a sense of humour and enlightened instruction.

                      

   

Drill and Repetition- in a motivating manner using games, puzzles or other activities

Technology - lends itself to auditory and visual learning styles and can enable non-readers and writers to express their ideas. Students are instantly rewarded, thereby increasing their motivation, and are provided with immediate feedback about correct or incorrect answers.