ERIC Number: EJ1120916
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015-Apr
Pages: 6
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0036-8555
EISSN: N/A
Giving Students a Leg Up
Lund, Tony; Walker, Mimi
Science Teacher, v82 n4 p35-40 Apr 2015
To address the needs of the high population of students with learning disabilities at their school, the author and a colleague created an inclusion science class that focuses on active, hands-on science. The course prepares students of various learning abilities for the state-mandated end-of-course biology assessment. Many of their students have weak executive functioning skills and need numerous accommodations to succeed in school. The term "executive functioning" can address many diagnostic conditions, relating to cognitive functions that activate, integrate, and control other mental functions. When their executive functions are not working properly, students experience significant and varied learning problems. These students not only have difficulties getting work done, but they often lack social skills and have lower self-esteem than their peers. Students with weak executive functioning need help planning, organizing, and managing their time. They also need work with behavior--response inhibition, self-regulation of affect, task initiation, flexibility, and goal-directed persistence. This article provides an assignment checklist, teaching strategies, a sample exam, and connections to the "Next Generation Science Standards" (NGSS Lead States 2013) and "Common Core State Standards" ("NGAC and CCSSO 2010").
Descriptors: Science Instruction, Teaching Methods, Learning Disabilities, Inclusion, Active Learning, Hands on Science, Biology, Executive Function, Cognitive Processes, Check Lists, Visual Perception, Language Skills, Communication Skills
National Science Teachers Association. 1840 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201-3000. Tel: 800-722-6782; Fax: 703-243-3924; e-mail: membership@nsta.org; Web site: http://www.nsta.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Teachers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A