Changing Entry Points

Changing entry points to learning includes changing the way in which educators change their methods of learning. Fogarty and Pete (2011) discuss how modalities are different modes or methods of learning that provide varying ways to approach the lesson, thus setting a path for possible or probable ways to the exit the learning (p.103). PLC teams must focus on those methods of learning through differentiation that motivates students learning and use them as an entry to their learning future. These entry points include five strategies of entry with the use of the multiple intelligences. Educators have the ability of adjusting their methods of teaching that accommodates the learners’ needs through pairing of students’ multiple intelligences and with Blooms Taxonomy.

1.      The use of Pre-assessments is a strategy used for 9^th grade students in certain classes where the educator wants to obtain information about students’ knowledge and skills of a specific subject.  Levi (2008) discusses pre-assessments as a tool that provides information of where the student is with respect of what you plan to teach. Additionally, this strategy provides educators with opportunity of assessing where students needs in regards to the intended learning.

2.      Student/ Teacher Conference strategy as an entry point where the educator arrange a short talking session with the student to obtain information on the student learning style. This strategy provides educators with information of how to start the entry points with each student and to identify students who have similar interests.

3.      The use KWL charts are another strategy used as an entry point where students use these charts in a specific 9^th grade class that tells the educator what they know about the subject, what they would like to know, and what they did learn. This strategy provides educators with vital information to the selection of the way in which the educator teaches the class.

4.      Journals are another strategy used as entry point; this method enables educators to acquire information from students about different subjects. Educators can use journals as a way measuring how students prefer to learn and obtain an understanding of how students use different multiple intelligences to understand the learning objective. Fogarty and Pete (2011) depicts that knowledge and acceptance of these varied intelligences provide a ready checklist of modalities that teachers use in planning rich, relevant, and rigorous learning options (p.106).

5.      The use of brainstorming is a strategy teacher’s use as an entry point to obtain what students know about the subject or express their different opinions on the subject. This method allows students to collaborate while at the same time educators can get an understanding of the students’ learning strengths. This strategy allows teachers to become creative with their use of brainstorming.  

Overall, educators learn so much about students through their individual talents. This provides educators with an opportunity to choose various types learning methods that meets the students’ needs. In choosing their learning method, educators have the ability to measure how well students with similar intelligences work together. Fogarty and Pete (2011) acknowledge how the concept of different entry points to learning becomes quite manageable for the teachers in PLC when they collaborate on lessons or units for differentiated classroom instruction. Diverse learners welcome options for learning that allow them to exhibit their talents in myriad ways (p.107).  These entry points are definitely the key to the educators’ teaching strategies and to students’ success within the learning environment.