KSA #1 Teachers demonstrate consistently that they understand contextual variables affecting teaching and learning. They know how to analyze many variables at one time, and how to respond by making reasoned decisions about their teaching practice and students' learning.
"She also took into account the student’s abilities, interests and background knowledge in her planning. She ensured that the students had every opportunity to learn and made their learning an exciting and engaging experience. "
-Jodean H., PS III Teacher Mentor
I believe that just as each student is unique as a person, they are also unique in the way that they learn and acquire new skills. There are many different theories which try to categorize students as to how they learn. Some have large amounts of research to support them, while others are not as widely accepted. Regardless of these theories it is quite obvious when you begin working with a group of students that they do not all learn in the same way. Additionally, there are many different types of variables that effect the way that any one student will learn at a particular time. I believe that it is extremely important to keep all of this in mind when teaching.
One of my professional goals this past year was focused on helping students learn by overcoming a few of the many contextual variables present in the classroom.