4 answers
sam
Student
Oak Harbor, Ohio
7
Questions
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How do you differentiate instruction for students with different learning styles in a history class?
10th grade, interested in us, and world history. I want to go to bgsu or terra in Ohio to be a history major.
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4 answers
Jerry Tingstad
Professor/middle school teacher/48 years
165
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
I taught a two year course, 75 minute hour, course in modern European history (French Revolution to present) to students from different cultures with English as their second language, for ten years. I made them take notes in lectures, and they had to write an essay on every video and class outing. All the homework was essay as were the exams. They not only learned history (the hard way), but their English improved tremendously.
Many told me that they couldn't believe how excellent they found themselves to be.
Therefore, I didn't differentiate, I treated them all the same, and they also helped each other grow academically.
Many told me that they couldn't believe how excellent they found themselves to be.
Therefore, I didn't differentiate, I treated them all the same, and they also helped each other grow academically.
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello again, Sam !
Learning different instruction styles will be part of your Education Major at Bowling Green State University. You will learn this through your college path. You will even get a chance to do field work as soon as your freshman year which is awesome as not all college paths for Education do this. You would also have to specify if you are talking about elementary, middle school, junior high, high school, college - what level of teaching do you mean ?
As an aside, I just found out that at Bowling Green State University, you would indeed have a course called Teacher Education Subject Specific. This means you can gear this course to History. (Remember that Terra does not offer an Education Program).
I wouldn't worry too much about having a class that had mixed learning abilities because most schools use mainstream teaching and if it is observed that there are issues, school professionals will assess the student for Special Education classes which would be more geared to their learning ability. This evaluation for Special Ed is comprehensive and must be conducted by a team of qualified professionals, including individuals such as a school psychologist, special education teacher, and the child’s regular classroom teacher, depending on the child’s age and circumstances. This is totally assuming that you mean teaching in the public school system. Even private schools refer out to special ed. In my mother's entire career in a private school, she only referred one student out for special ed. You will learn the whole process during your path as an Education student.
Instead of anticipating the students, right now may be a good time to develop or learn about how you can make History absolutely exciting and engaging for the future students. I assume you are thinking about K-12 education when I advise this. Get involved with the History volunteer work I referred you to in your other post. See how you may be able to offer Living History presentations in your community at various historical sites. Maybe think of writing playlets for students to do that depict various periods of history. Kids love it ! Kids really learn that way.
Visit your public Library to see if they have any activities related to history and research various ways to present the subject. Think interactive. Even incorporating art work can be a fun way to present history like having students draw an advertisement from a specific era or event. One effective method is using "History Decisions Simulations," where students step into the roles of historical figures facing pivotal crises, such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, and work in groups to develop solutions, fostering deeper emotional and intellectual connections to the material. Role playing is also fun.
It may be too early to learn all about Education right now, but as I've mentioned in your other post, focus on History for now and in college you will start to understand fully how to be a teacher.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Learning different instruction styles will be part of your Education Major at Bowling Green State University. You will learn this through your college path. You will even get a chance to do field work as soon as your freshman year which is awesome as not all college paths for Education do this. You would also have to specify if you are talking about elementary, middle school, junior high, high school, college - what level of teaching do you mean ?
As an aside, I just found out that at Bowling Green State University, you would indeed have a course called Teacher Education Subject Specific. This means you can gear this course to History. (Remember that Terra does not offer an Education Program).
I wouldn't worry too much about having a class that had mixed learning abilities because most schools use mainstream teaching and if it is observed that there are issues, school professionals will assess the student for Special Education classes which would be more geared to their learning ability. This evaluation for Special Ed is comprehensive and must be conducted by a team of qualified professionals, including individuals such as a school psychologist, special education teacher, and the child’s regular classroom teacher, depending on the child’s age and circumstances. This is totally assuming that you mean teaching in the public school system. Even private schools refer out to special ed. In my mother's entire career in a private school, she only referred one student out for special ed. You will learn the whole process during your path as an Education student.
Instead of anticipating the students, right now may be a good time to develop or learn about how you can make History absolutely exciting and engaging for the future students. I assume you are thinking about K-12 education when I advise this. Get involved with the History volunteer work I referred you to in your other post. See how you may be able to offer Living History presentations in your community at various historical sites. Maybe think of writing playlets for students to do that depict various periods of history. Kids love it ! Kids really learn that way.
Visit your public Library to see if they have any activities related to history and research various ways to present the subject. Think interactive. Even incorporating art work can be a fun way to present history like having students draw an advertisement from a specific era or event. One effective method is using "History Decisions Simulations," where students step into the roles of historical figures facing pivotal crises, such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, and work in groups to develop solutions, fostering deeper emotional and intellectual connections to the material. Role playing is also fun.
It may be too early to learn all about Education right now, but as I've mentioned in your other post, focus on History for now and in college you will start to understand fully how to be a teacher.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Justine Shamey
education
10
Answers
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Updated
Justine’s Answer
I use universal learning design. In addition to notes try creating a group project or class discussion
Andrew Shih
Director, Customer Success
3
Answers
Crown Point, Indiana
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
That's a great question. It shows you understand that students learn in different ways and have different reading and ability levels. Differentiation is important in a history class because students have different backgrounds and learning styles.
One way to do this is by using choice boards. These let students choose activities that match their strengths and learning preferences, like analyzing a primary source, making a visual timeline, or writing a short reflection. This way, students feel in control of their learning while still meeting important goals.
Many new curricula offer differentiation ideas, which are a good starting point. Also, using AI tools in classrooms can help make differentiation easier, such as creating leveled readings and quizzes or giving personalized feedback.
Differentiation doesn't mean you have to make separate lessons for each student. It's about creating flexible ways for all students to connect with the material.
One way to do this is by using choice boards. These let students choose activities that match their strengths and learning preferences, like analyzing a primary source, making a visual timeline, or writing a short reflection. This way, students feel in control of their learning while still meeting important goals.
Many new curricula offer differentiation ideas, which are a good starting point. Also, using AI tools in classrooms can help make differentiation easier, such as creating leveled readings and quizzes or giving personalized feedback.
Differentiation doesn't mean you have to make separate lessons for each student. It's about creating flexible ways for all students to connect with the material.