#AEE412 Sunday Reflections 8: Individualized Teaching

Recently, #PSUAgEd18 has learned about individualized teaching techniques. Personally I felt that learning about individual after learning group techniques had "completed" the technique thought process in my mind. Now we experienced the reading about individual teaching techniques and the instruction is almost full circle. 
As we discussed in class, there are five types of individual instruction techniques that are as follows:

1. Sheets
2. Experiments
3. Supervised Study
4. Independent Study
5. Student Notebooks

In an agriscience classroom we see all of these techniques being used. Our last lab experience was problem solving approach which can be carried out either as a group or individual teaching technique. 

Being involved in Agricultural Education in some capacity means that we should all be familiar with the three circle model! What I find interesting is that when taking a look at all three circles individually, I notice that the different individual techniques can be applied to all three of the circles. While we assume that a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) would be an independent study scenario, it can actually be almost any of the above five techniques. How you ask? Think about this, students work on their SAE independently, sometimes the teacher assists and guides but not always, some students hold a research SAE, and lastly records on any and all SAEs must be kept. If that doesn't explain that it can fit in with all five then I have no idea what will. This is great because every circle can fully utilize differentiated instruction. Remember, if you're fed your favorite food for every meal you will soon get tired of it. Differentiate your instruction and make each lesson fun whether the activities are group or individual. Make it fun, ya'll!

Check out my resource for this week! It's a nice article that talks about the benefit of individualized instruction that fits each student. It somewhat fits activities that take place in an average agriscience classroom. I think that it can be looked at through SAE goggles when thinking that each student has an experience that is unique to them because SAEs are meant to ignite their passions. 

http://www.dreambox.com/blog/pros-cons-individualized-instruction

Let me know what your thoughts are!

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References:

Newcomb, L.H., McCracken, J.D., Warmbrod, J.R., & Whittington, M.S. (1993). Methods of teaching agriculture. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.

EduGains. (2015). Reach every student through differentiated instruction.  Retrieved from http://www.edugains.ca/resourcesDI/Brochures/DIBrochureOct08.pdf

Green, N. (2013). Pros and cons of individualized instruction. DreamBox Learning. Retrieved October 14, 2017, from http://www.dreambox.com/blog/pros-cons-individualized-instruction