Clinical Field Experience D: Social Studies Materials and Differentiation

Differentiation to meet the needs of students within a classroom is vital. Teachers who understand the needs of their students, and plan to meet students’ potential, are using best practices to provide appropriate educational experiences. Observing the use of engaging social studies materials and differentiation in the social studies classroom helps to guide teachers to develop their own actively engaging lesson plans.
Allocate at least 4 hours in the field to support this field experience.
Assist your mentor teacher with teaching at least one social studies lesson. Take note of the use of social studies text and other print and non-print resources, as well as how the mentor teacher differentiates the instruction. After the teaching experience, speak with your mentor teacher about how he or she differentiates instruction to address the learning needs of the students in a class.
In addition, collaborate with your mentor teacher to review the social studies textbook and other print materials and non-print resources that are used to teach social studies in your clinical field experience classroom. Analyze the text, materials, and resources to determine what opportunities or supports are provided for teachers to address cultural relevance and differentiated learning.
Use any remaining field experience hours to assist the teacher in providing instruction and support to the class.
Write a 250-500 word reflection that summarizes the following:
Differentiated instruction and instructional materials for individual students with particular learning differences or needs that were observed.
Inclusion of students’ experiences, cultures, and community into social studies instruction and instructional resources.
Analysis of how the text, materials and resources address cultural relevance and differentiated learning.
How you will apply what you have learned to future professional practice.
APA format is not required, but solid academic writing is expected.