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INTRODUCTION
What is my research about?
OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE
What did I find for my research?
METHODOLOGY
What did I gain from my research? Who were my participants?
RESULTS
What did my particpants say? DISCUSSION
What were my biggest takeaways from the data? How does my data and research connect with curriculum/pedagogy today? Where should we go from here? What are my final thoughts?
Introduction
I chose to focus my research on how educators adjust their teaching methods to meet the needs of students with disabilities. I decided to research this as I believe it is crucial for preservice teachers, like myself, to become educated on this topic and be aware of how to adjust their curriculum to accommodate the needs of all students. With this, I decided to select preservice teachers as my audience so I could gauge an understanding of where they have seen educators adjust their teachings. This allowed me to reflect and take the data that I received and take note of how other educators have shifted their teachings. As someone who is studying elementary and special education, I want to be able to become the person that understands the most effective way to shift my curriculum and pedagogy in order for each and every student to become successful.
Overview of literature
In Carr, Umbreit, and Hartzell (2022), it illustrated that teachers need to be mindful of making adjustments to meet the needs of students, similarly many participants stated that modifying instruction is very important while teaching Many participants stated that they have seen teachers “meet their students where they are ” and “learn what their students need” The article also stated that because of the modifications, behavioral aspects were much lower, and comprehension skills became higher Being able to meet a student in the middle and providing them with a plan, that you and the student can work on together, can provide them with the best education that works for them By doing this, this can allow the student to feel comfortable and be able to flourish in the classroom because they are able to learn with the modifications that were designed to meet their needs
In the article, written by Abawi and Oliver (2013) illustrates different practices that can be incorporated into the classroom to make it become more inclusive It was important to note that successful practices can lead to positive relationship building within students Furthermore, participants also stated this One participant stated, “I have seen peer buddies or lots of group work to mix students together which encourages inclusiveness and also makes sure every student feels seen–” I believe that creating an inclusive classroom can provide successful students throughout the classroom Being able to form a bond with your students, and allowing your students to form bonds within each other, can create that safe space of inclusivity and make them feel like they are not alone. 2
In Patti (2015), it illustrated a way where you can meet the needs of students with disabilities This practice included a technology tool that can lessen the struggles of academics that students are experiencing; in turn, it can also allow them to become more successful Similarly, a few participants included the use of music, moving kids around the room in order for them to see the board, and also providing subtitles on videos, or just the use of visuals, were included in my data Getting to know the students, and seeing what provides them with the most success, can support the teacher in altering their instruction to meet those needs. 3
Methodology
Introductory:
This research project commenced as part of an undergraduate course, Introduction to Curriculum and Pedagogy, in order to discuss preservice teachers’ beliefs about the importance of adjusting instruction to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Out of five topics, I chose this one as I believe meeting the needs of all students is crucial throughout the classroom. Everyone deserves the opportunity to learn and it is important to understand how to alter instruction to meet these needs. My research conducted a Google survey, where I was able to come up with a research question that was sent to my classmates, to gain an understanding of how my peers have seen their teachers meet the needs of their students.
My participants were preservice teachers that are roughly ⅓ ECE majors, and ⅔ EME majors. Based on completion of an online survey at the beginning of the semester, participants self-identified as white, heterosexual, able-bodied, cisgender, Christian females who come from middle-class backgrounds. A majority of them are in their second or third year of studies and most of them live in rural or suburban communities. It was important to ask preservice teachers their thoughts and feelings about my research, because it is critical for them to think about how they have seen their educators adjust their instruction to meet the needs of students, and hopefully then wonder how they can do the same.
Result #1
This image demonstrates accommodating students' needs. Throughout education, every child has different needs that range from person to person. It is critical for educators to meet the needs of students in every aspect that they need help in. This visual prompts the question, “How Can I Help?” In each letter of the word “help” there is a little blurb of what a student might want a teacher to do to help them with their academics. Those words include: love, care, support, listening, growing, meeting me, understanding my needs, learning what I need to succeed, and accommodate. Meeting students where they are at and accommodating them will allow them to flourish into successful students.
Result #2
This illustration focuses on modifying instruction to meet the needs of students. In the visual, I connected students' brains and drew a line that described “ our needs” to the teacher. The teacher then takes the needs of students and assures them that the teacher sees them, hears them, and will change their instruction for them, in order for them to be successful in the classroom. Changing the curriculum to meet the needs of every single student is crucial in the classroom as everybody is then being seen and heard and learning in a way that helps them.
Result #3
This illustration shines light on inclusivity and a helping hand. I drew out hands holding as it shows that students and teachers are in it together when it comes to meeting needs. I added a word to each finger that represented what should be included in an inclusive classroom. Those words included: family, inclusion, love, care, listen, friendship, kindness, and comfortable. These words are just a few of what should be in an inclusive classroom, but it is important to create that safe space within the educational setting, in order for students to always feel welcomed and heard.
What
are the big takeaways from the data?
What does it mean? How is it significant in the current discussion?
My biggest takeaway from the data is that everyone is able to recognize that modifying and accommodating everyone ' s needs is so important in creating an inclusive environment The understanding that every child has different needs that need to be met is also very critical to learn and acknowledge when creating this safe space for children This topic is significant in current discussions as inclusivity is being introduced much more profoundly throughout education, and it is crucial for educators to meet the needs of students in order to make them feel welcome, heard, understood, and appreciated within the classroom
How does my data and research connect to curriculum/pedagogy in today’s schools?
My topic is important to what we teach, and how we teach it, because every student is different, no one is alike, and it is so important to be able to make connections with your students, and meet their needs. I want my students to be successful, and I want to be able to learn and understand every tool in order to meet them where they are, and implement that into my instruction.
Where should we go from here? What is the next step/research needed as we move forward?
More practice with meeting the needs of EVERY child in the classroom.
Beneficial resources for families with children of disabilities to obtain when present in a general educational classroom
Being provided with the students’ needs from families.
More instructional resources that help the teacher meet every need.
What are the final thoughts/end to my research:
As a future educator, I never want to see my students feel left out, or unworthy with their education. I will take every step it takes to understand what each of my children need, and implement those needs into my curriculum and pedagogical practices. Every student deserves the chance to become successful, and I want to be that person that gets them to that finish line, and do it in a way that allows them to learn in a way that works best for them.
