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Section 2

This document discusses theories and philosophies that have impacted education for learners with exceptionalities. It describes theories from B.F. Skinner on behaviorism using reinforcement, Benjamin Bloom's taxonomy of learning domains, and Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences. These theories help teachers differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all students, including those with disabilities or on IEP/504 plans. The document also notes how exceptionalities can impact a student's social and emotional learning and that teachers must be aware of student needs to create a safe learning environment.

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44 views

Section 2

This document discusses theories and philosophies that have impacted education for learners with exceptionalities. It describes theories from B.F. Skinner on behaviorism using reinforcement, Benjamin Bloom's taxonomy of learning domains, and Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences. These theories help teachers differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all students, including those with disabilities or on IEP/504 plans. The document also notes how exceptionalities can impact a student's social and emotional learning and that teachers must be aware of student needs to create a safe learning environment.

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© © All Rights Reserved
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Section 2.

2 : Learner Exceptionalities

2.1.6 - Compare theories and philosophies of education and training impacting learners

with exceptionalities

Using different educational theories throughout lessons is an important factor within

education. Educational theorists such as B.F. Skinner, Benjamin Bloom, and Howard Gardner

paved the path for how teachers can better meet the needs of individual students. Students with

exceptionalities such as dyslexia, anxiety, those on an IEP or a 504 plan or gifted students benefit

from the use of differentiated teaching or special accomodations within their learning.

There are several philosophers or theorists who have contributed to teaching exceptional

learners within education. One of them is B.F. Skinner. He studied behaviorism and stated that

behavior is acquired through conditioning or through the use of both positive and negative

punishment or reinforcement. Skinner’s theory is frequently used in the classroom as students

learn correct behaviors through reward systems, punishment, or simply through a behavior chart.

Benjamin Bloom is also well known in modern education for his methods of taxonomy, or

thought processes. He created a scale based on how students learn in different ways. From the

bottom up, the scale is as follows : remember, understand, apply, analyze, evaluate, and create.

This is used to form question stems for teachers and is helpful in differentiating between

students' learning styles.

Another notable cognitive theorist is Howard Gardner. He is remembered for his

contribution to the Multiple Intelligence Theory. This theory includes how human intelligences

should be divided into categories to help best meet the needs of the individual student. Not all
students learn the same, and especially not exceptional learners. The multiple intelligence theory

is very useful in terms of differentiation (evidence 2.2.1).

When it comes to learners or students with exceptionalities, there are many different

needs or modifications that must be attended to which differ from the average student. This could

include students with dyslexia, a reading disorder, brain damage, students with ADHD, or

anxiety. These students benefit from being on an IEP plan, which is a more individualized plan

that includes specific goals for students. They also can benefit from a 504 plan which consists of

only accommodations. This could be a different testing environment, extended time on an

assignment or test, or having pre-filled out teacher notes (evidence 2.2.2).

Exceptionalities can certainly have an impact on a student's social and emotional

learning. My Teacher Academy class completed a “special needs” stimulation and it was not

easy doing what we presume are simple tasks. Overall, it became frustrating and discouraging.

Students, especially those at the elementary and middle school levels, constantly face challenges

depending on their learning exceptionality. Students with cognitive / memory issues or dyslexia

may find keeping up with the rest of the class challenging and emotionally draining. As a

teacher, I will be aware of any students exceptionalities to ensure they are learning in the most

safe and comfortable environment possible. I wrote a brief narrative reflection on more about

what it can be like to teach exceptional learners. This can be seen in evidence 2.2.3.

Behaviorists and theorists such as Skinner, Howard, and Bloom, have helped aid

educators provide success to all students and those who may need additional accommodations.

Due to the works of Bloom and Gardner, teachers now have better techniques or methods on

how to differentiate their teaching. Differentiation is the acknowledgement of all different

learning styles such as visual, kinesthetic, auditory, or collaborative and valuing all types of
learners (evidence 2.2.4). Cognitive theories can help teachers teach exceptional learners because

they highlight methods and concepts within differentiation.

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