Issues And Challenges Paper

Issues and Challenges
In a classroom setting Dalal may face many issues and challenges which can be resolved and supported by a teacher. As she is a child who happens to have Downs Syndrome, she has a mild level of intellectual disability; this includes her slurred speech, poor writing skills and a delay in expressive language. (Downsyndrome.org.au, 2014) A lack of language skills can affect the child’s social skills. More specifically she becomes very frustrated as she doesn’t know how to express herself in her own words or the way she wants to. The slurred speech combined with the poor writing can make it difficult for the teacher and peers to understand in a communicative sense. She has short attention span and can be disruptive in the

(Wishart, 2001) It is also important that peer students have an understanding that Dalal is a full member of the class who is encouraged to participate just like everyone else. A teacher can allocate responsibilities to Dalal which she is capable of, to support independence however she may still need guidance. Another important thing to remember is to avoid one to one attention, which can isolate her from fellow students. It also can send a message of unfairness to others and that Dalal is not a fully participating student. (Down Syndrome Victoria, 2009) Using more visual and concrete materials to teach is an easy way for any student to learn as they are likely to be more engaged. Also a speech therapist can be recommended for her slurred speech. (Westwood, 2009) Dalal wears glasses as she has minor vision impairment, meaning that she can be placed at the front of the classroom. This is beneficial to both the teacher and Dalal as it ensures management. She can also be easily monitored that way in regards to her behaviour. Another strategy is to observe the student and collect data upon their behaviour over a period of time to create more strategies for teaching. Picture exchange communication and alternative communication technologies are useful for children with Down syndrome in the classroom. They can be used to

There are many diverse students in my classroom which includes children with Caucasian, Asian and African backgrounds, some of these students struggle with the English language while some are fluent. There are no students of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in my classroom therefore I will not be addressing the element 1.4, however I am aware that there are also a range of teaching strategies in order to benefit these students. The children are quite lively and energetic however when they come to my class they aren’t too excited for mathematics. I ensure that I start the class energetically and that there are positive relationships forming in the class. The classroom is set up in a U shape of tables. This allows a sight of all students. Firstly as a teacher I would observe the characteristics of my students, and how they interact with others as I instruct the classroom. I will be aware of the surroundings and friendship groups that students create, intellectually and socially. For example if more capable students communicate with each other and disregard others who are not as capable as them, then I would ensure more communication goes around within the classroom. During group activities I will ensure that students work with peers who they normally wouldn’t work with. I could also change seating arrangements in class, or create a buddy system allowing a