Utilizing the Diversity of Learners in Differentiating Activities in Advanced Chemistry

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Teachers have long known that students learn differently, and learn more or less, depending on various instructional approaches. They have used this understanding to personalize learning as much as is possible in classrooms with 20, 25, or more students. However, these educators have largely been on their own, without many structured supports, curriculum, pedagogy, tools, and resources specifically designed to support personalization strategies. The growing diversity within today's classrooms underscores the necessity for a more deliberate, supported shift to a learner-centered education system. The main purpose of this research was to assess the learner diversity of a special science class in Balayan National High School in terms of students' gender and multiple intelligence profile. This diversity was utilized in the teaching and learning of concepts in Advanced Chemistry subject among Grade 10 students through differentiated instruction.

METHODS

The study utilized a mixed method research design wherein survey questionnaires and a semi-structured interview was used. The consent of students and parents was sought before the data gathering and confidentiality was assured. This study utilized a quantitative-descriptive research design. Descriptive design was employed in identifying the diversity of learners and the relationship of each type of intelligence to each other. Questionnaires were used to obtain data on the learners' gender and distinct intelligence.

RESULTS

The result revealed that female dominated the class. Most of the learners are bodily-kinesthetic, visual, spatial and musical based on their profile. Naturalistic intelligence shows a positive correlation with verbal/linguistic and logical/mathematical intelligence. On the other hand, there is an inverse relationship between intrapersonal and interpersonal intelligence.

DISCUSSIONS

The study did not use an experimental approach since it only identified and utilized multiple intelligence in teaching Chemistry. The result of the study can be a basis for employing learning preferences and styles in teaching. Mathematical modeling is used in explaining the relationship of the variable using statistical software.