EDUC 118 students will be asked to research and compare the Learning Disabled vs. Gifted student. This comparison should be focused on students in grades K-6. It will be the student’s responsibility to research the assigned topic and prepare a 5-7 page written summary of the comparison. It is REQUIRED that EDUC 118 students visit both types of classrooms at least once, in order to gain first hand perspective on the subject. It is also strongly recommended that the teacher(s) of such a classroom be interviewed as a follow-up to elaborate on observations made by EDUC 118 students during the classroom visit. As classroom observations can sometimes be somewhat difficult to obtain (and last minute problems and schedule conflicts DO arise), EDUC 118 students will be expected to locate and secure both types of classroom observation opportunities early in the semester in order to compensate if such problems do come up. While not specifically required, visual aides and prompts such as pictures, student work samples, utilized classroom materials, etc. also add to your report generally making it much more informative and interesting to read (often resulting in a higher grade–hint-hint). Please note, however that such “extras” will not count as your 5-7 pages of summary. Again, it is STRONGLY SUGGESTED that students not wait to set-up observations. This is a project that absolutely should be started in week 1!!!!!
Some of the suggested topics that might be covered include, but are not limited to, teaching strategies used for each type of learner, the challenges presented in teaching each learning type, mannerisms displayed by each learner, parental supports and roles for each, etc. It is expected that all EDUC 118 students will utilize the course textbook, class notes, assigned articles as well as any outside references (internet, personal interviews with education professionals, professional manuscripts, etc.) to complete this assignment.
