Learner diversity refers to the range of students within the classroom, students of diverse backgrounds, SES, learning style and ability amongst many other variables. Differentiation is a response to these learning needs, implementing appropriate guidance and support on a case-by-case basis. Differentiation is informed by pedagogical understanding and content knowledge; founded upon the idea that “every student can do remarkable things with the appropriate guidance” (NESA, 2021).
The Eight Ways of Learning is one of many differentiated learning strategies which may be implemented within the classroom. ‘The Eight Ways of Learning is a pedagogical framework which allows teachers to include Aboriginal perspectives by utilising Aboriginal learning techniques’ (Bangamalanha Centre, 2019).
These eight techniques are interconnected and allow for a wholistic approach to content areas. In past practicums, I have embedded these techniques into both of my teaching areas, Visual Arts and English, I feel that this pedagogical framework similarly lends itself to inquiry based methods of teaching and learning, and when used effectively not only differentiates for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, but many of the learners within the classroom, as it utilises a range of teaching strategies, some of which include story sharing, learning maps, visuals and hands-on learning.
In the Visual Arts classroom, creating opportunities for students to have dialogue with Aboriginal artists and engage with the land, it’s history and its significance is a simple example of how this may be embedded. In accordance, ICT in the age of the pandemic (through zoom and microsoft teams) has made engaging with professionals even easier.
Citations
Bangamalanha Centre. (2019). 8 Ways.online. NSW Department of Education, Dubbo.
Retrieved from https://www.8ways.online/
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