Stephanie Tsoutsouras

CATERING TO DIVERSITY
Diversity in the classroom is increasing, making it a priority that teachers cater to all through effective
differentiation (Berry, 2006). To cater to individual needs, including ESL students the teacher will
implement various differentiation strategies including modifying unit content through problem solving
tasks, discussions and direct questioning and answering (Berry, 2006). There will be differentiation
tasks for students who are excelling in developing their understanding and skills through integrating
other KLAs in a way that encourages higher order thinking skills. The use of independently using ICT
to demonstrate understanding of the content and engaging in independent and small group critical
thinking will be a further differentiation strategy (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting
Authority [ACARA], 2013).
Ensuring Indigenous students are catered to is important as there is often disconnection between
school and Indigenous knowledge and understanding of science education (Middleton, Dupuis & Tang,
2012). Strategies implemented to cater to Indigenous students will include respectful relationships with
students where they feel comfortable enough to ask and answer questions and clarify their
understanding if unsure (Middleton, Dupuis & Tang, 2012). There will be a focus on modelling, problem
solving, small group and one-on-one interactions and, visual resources as supportive methods that
cater to various learning styles as well as Indigenous students (Berry, 2006; ACARA, 2013).
Indigenous students will have the opportunity to share personal experiences, and materials or
resources around plants and animals that are relevant to their culture, land and community (Middleton
et al, 2012).
As the unit is on Living Things, connections will be made between the way plant and animal life was
when Indigenous people first settled in comparison to todays plant and animal life. This can be done
through inviting Indigenous school support staff, local Indigenous community elders, or Indigenous
childrens family members to inform the class, as well as the teacher independently researching
(Harrison, 2007). Further, incorporating ways Indigenous people communicate about animals through
inviting local Indigenous community members to participate in dances that provide information about
animals (Skamp, 2012). Inviting elders of the local community to share stories about totem animals as a
way to explore animals and discuss from Indigenous perspectives (Skamp, 2012).
It is significant to ensure science education caters to all students to keep them interested and motivated
to learn (Middleton et al, 2012).

Stephanie Tsoutsouras
References
Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority [ACARA]. (2013). Student Diversity and the
Australian Curriculum: Advice for principals, schools and teachers. Retrieved from
http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/StudentDiversity/Pdf/StudentDiversity
Berry, R. (2006). Teachers assessment practices for classroom diversity. In International Association for
Educational Assessment, Assessment in an Era of Rapid Change: Innovations and Best Practices.
Paper presented at the 32nd Annual Conference of International Association for Educational
Assessment (pp.1-8). Singapore. Retrieved from:
http://www.iaea.info/documents/paper_1162a1ffcd.pdf
Harrison, N. (2007). Where do we look now? The future of research in Indigenous Australian education. The
Australian Journal of Indigenous Education, 36, pp.1-5.
Middleton, M., Dupuis, J., & Tang, J. (2012). Classrooms and culture: The role of context in shaping motivation
and identity for science learning in Indigenous adolescents, International Journal of Science and
Mathematics Education, 11, pp. 111-141. Retrieved from:
http://download.springer.com/static/pdf/110/art%253A10.1007%252Fs10763-012-9385-
5.pdf?auth66=1414744259_2edb581b3955715fb62d0940bf05673d&ext=.pdf
Skamp, K. (2012). Teaching primary science constructively (4
th
Ed). Melbourne: Nelson Australia. 4th ed.,
South Melbourne, Vic: Cengage Learning Australia.