In every classroom there are a variety of abilities that every teacher needs to be aware of. It is important that every lesson meets the needs of all students; the gifted, slower students, and even those with learning disabilities. It is important that teachers recognize that students also learn in a variety of ways. Some students are hands-on learners, others are visual and even some learn through lecture and notes. All students can learn, but it is up to the teacher to provide means for success for everyone.

This is a lesson that I used in one of my pre-calculus classes at Freedom High School while I was a long-term substitute. It is a lesson introducing sine and cosine curves to the students. It was presented in an inquiry method with very little guidance from me. The students worked in groups of four, and this allowed for those that needed extra help to have a support system. This also allowed me to walk around and help all of the groups. The lesson involved many modes of thinking and was very useful in reaching the many learning styles of the students in my class. Click here to see this lesson.

Reflection: I think this lesson worked wonderfully with my students. They seemed to really enjoy doing this project with their groups. It provided them with a variety of learning methods. They were able to use their hands, calculators, their group members and their own knowledge to complete this assignment. The students worked well with one another, and as they worked I was able to walk around to those that needed some extra explaining. I had put the students in groups that I thought had a balance of abilities, and I saw many students helping and encouraging one another. I would not change this project if I were to do it again in the future.

Click here to see a lesson using Technology.