How will you instruct students with varying abilities?

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The interviewer wants to know that you can adapt your teaching style, and pace, to a variety of student needs and learning abilities. Demonstrate your ability to modify the same material to a range of competencies.

"Here are some suggestions for instructing students with varying abilities:

- Practice differentiated teaching and create a plan for each student with differing abilities
-Tweak your content to include more visuals for those students who are visual learners
- Offer more opportunities for hands-on learning
- Include more group discussions where students can openly ask questions
- Encourage educational support at home by involving the parents"

"I pace the section I'm teaching based on the student's ability and receptiveness. For instance, if a student has stronger art skills, they typically tend to need less reading and writing assistance, so I spend more time working on science or math-based games with them. I want to make them feel like the class is suited to their abilities rather than forcing them to keep up or slow down."

"I have noticed there can be a big difference between students who come from a learning-centered home. Often I get a handful of students who already know how to write their name, count to 10 in French, and know some geography. Then, I have students who love just to watch cartoons and make fart jokes. It all comes out in the wash. Kids are kids, and if you have a fun curriculum that keeps them engaged, they all tend to stay with the group. If a disability is potentially present, I will certainly bring up the concern to my program director, who would then take the necessary steps."

Anonymous Answer

"I try to teach lessons to my students that will interest them, and this way, I know regardless of their ability, they are all engaged. I ask a variety of questions beginning from easy to more difficult and let I them the more experienced children answer the more difficult questions. During center time, I'm sure to have a variety of activities out that will interest all students with different skill levels. For examples, I may set out some easy puzzles for beginners and more advanced puzzles for the more experienced child. Also, during small group, I can pull a group of students with similar abilities and work on needed skills. I don't make it a big deal if a student answers a question or struggles to complete a task."

Rachelle's Feedback

It sounds as though you are well-prepared to teach students of all abilities. Well done!

"I teach lessons that will interest my students, and this way, I know, regardless of their ability, they are all engaged. I ask a variety of questions beginning from easy to more difficult and let the more experienced children answer the more difficult questions. During center time, I'm sure to have a variety of activities out that will interest all students with different skill levels. For example, I may set out some easy puzzles for beginners and more advanced puzzles for the more experienced child. Also, during small group, I can pull a group of students with similar abilities and work on needed skills. I don't make it a big deal if a student answers a question incorrect or struggles to complete a task."