EPISODE 5: INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES AND

LEARNERSINTERACTION

An Observation Guide for Individual Differences

1. Observe the class to see the differences in abilities of the learners.
2. Try to identify the students who seem to be performing well and those seem to bebehind.3. Validate your observations by asking the teacher about the background (family, socioeconomic, presence of some learning disability, etc.) of these children.
4. Observe the behavior of both the high achieving and low-achieving learners. Note
their dispositions, pare in accomplishing tasks, interaction with teacher, interaction with others.
5. Observe the teachers method in addressing the learning needs of the students in
his/her class.

Observation Report:
Students possess different skills and talents which are developed as the time goes by.
Most girls are performing well because they are showing interests in their studies. Some of the
boys seem to be left behind because they dont have much focus and attention to learn. The
teacher told me that these learners came from the lower section class and most of them have
low socio-economic status. Although their parents send them to school, they cant provide
school materials that are needed by their sons or daughters. The high-achieving learners are
attentive and actively participating in classroom discussions. They maintain good relationship
with their teacher and have focus and attention to their topics. They have many friends and can
easily interact with other persons. The low-achieving learners are quite noisy and attentionseekers. They could not maintain their focus andattention to their teacher. They make friends to
the students who are just like them. They dont like to interact with others. The teachers method
in addressing the learning needs of the students is by patiently teaching his students the lesson

and providing many examples for easier understanding. He gives them chances to ask
questions whenever they have confusions.

Analysis:
1. Did your observation match the information given by the teacher? Were you able to
correctly identify who among the students performed well and who did not? What
behavior helped you to identify them? (Volunteering to answer, responding to teachers
direction, etc.)
My observations match the information given by the teacher because I
correctly identified different behaviors of the students. I recognize those students who
are excelling and showing interests in their studies and students who lack attention and
focus to learn. I easily identify them by carefully observing the way they interact and
participate to their class discussions.
2. Describe the differences in the ability levels of the students in the class. Is there a wide
gap between the students who are performing well and those that are not?
The level of ability of the students varies based on their gender. Most girls are
actively performing while most of the boys are not. There is wide gap between
these different groups of students.
3. Describe the methods used by the teacher in handling the students differences in
abilities. How did the students respond to the teacher?
The teacher uses the method of reinforcement wherein he motivates the child to perform
and do his best. He also uses punishment method to discipline and mold the students
behavior.

Reflection:
1. Recall the time when you were in the elementary or high school. Recall the high and
lowachievers in your class. How did your teacher deal with differences in abilities? Was
your teacher effective?

When I was in 3rd year high school, my teacher in math treated us fairly
and avoids scolding my classmates in front of us. She was entertaining questions and
patiently explains and gives different examples for us to better understand her lesson.
2. With the principle of individual differences in mind, what methods and strategies will you
remember in the future to ensure that you will be able to meet the needs of both high
and low achievers n your class?
Asafutureeducator, I am the person responsible in thinking of methods
and some ways for my students to learn fast and effectively. I may consider the
methods of reinforcement and punishment to meet the needs of my students. I will
avoid things that may interfere and may serve as a hindrance for the development of
learning of my students. And lastly, I will teach them not only the lesson but also the
ethical values which are the most important thing they must know.