As teachers, we are compelled to always look at the content, process, and product in which things are taught to students.  The process is the method in how the lesson is taught, and the product is what the student learns.

Based on Dr. Abdelwahab’s survey of students, students’ responses have

indicated the specific needs for qualities to be possessed by their
educators.  Teachers need to be cooperative, passionate, exude good leadership, be a team player,
be knowledgeable, empathetic, and have learned through life experiences as well.
Meeting the needs of the students also means meeting the different learning styles or
intelligences.  These intelligences are derived from the learning systems such as the emotional
learning system, the social learning system, the physical learning system, the cognitive learning
system, and the reflective learning system.  The different intelligences demonstrate children’s
unique learning capabilities.  These intelligences include visual/spatial learners, verbal/linguistic
learners, logical/mathematical learners, bodily/kinesthetic learners, musical/rhythmic learners,
and interpersonal/intrapersonal learners.   Dr. Abdelwahab suggested that teachers could provide
students with surveys, and that teachers could use the feedback to guide them in how to better
facilitate their classroom.
In order to meet the different intelligences present in each classroom, the teacher must
use different strategies tailored for each individual.  In Arabic the word Taleb means student,
which also means someone with the desire to ask for something.  Being capable of reaching all
students means fulfilling their needs and desires by stimulating their growth through their own
favored process of learning.  Dr. Abdelwahab’s presentation and suggestions give teachers the
necessary tools to use to incorporate everyone in a well rounded learning system.

References Used by presenter:
Blaz, D.  (2006). Differentiated Instruction: A Guide for Foreign Language Teachers.
Larchmont, NY: Eye on Education.

Gardner, Howard.  (1993). Multiple intelligences: the theory in practice.  New York:
Basic Books.
Tomlinson, C. A. (1999).  The differentiated Classroom: Responding to needs of all
learners.  Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
(ASCD).

 

Aldeen Foundation 2008
ISNA Educational Forum 2008: Track: Curriculum & Standards
Instructor:  Dr. Ahmed Abdelwahab
Topic: “Responding to Learner’s Needs”
Written by: Nacheda Baroud Tizani