Individual Learning

The learning of individual students in your class is one of a teachers most important goals. This weeks reading reflection focuses on how teachers can connect with their students one on one. There are many ways to connect with students like independent study, experiments, and supervised study.


Independent studies give students the option to try something that might not be covered in class but that they have a passion for. As a student in high school I enjoyed making a display for FFA week because it could be on a specific topic in agriculture that I choose. Of course with the permission of the teacher there were several different displays. It is a lot easier and more fun to talk about something that you have passion and interest for.

Experiments allow students to learn through hands on activities. Giving students the time to complete the project on their own allows them to make and fix mistakes on their own and helps them learn at their own pace. One negative to group projects is that all students do not learn at the same rate but when students work alone they are able to learn at their own pace.

Having a complete agriculture program allows teachers to complete with the students supervised agriculture experiences. This is a great way for the teacher to connect with the student on an individual basis and help the student complete a project he or she enjoys.

The key to success is student interest. I saw this first hand when I visited with my cooperating center this summer to check up on SAE projects. We visited a sophomore who had several rabbit breading projects. He didn't have a computer at home so he would go to the high school during the summer and work on his book there. For the visit we had a printed out copy of his book so that we could explain the parts that needed fixed. After looking over his book we helped him tag some of his new rabbits. I could tell he worked very hard on his projects. Since he only has an outside area for the cages he informed that he is lucky enough to keep his rabbits at the high school during the cold winter months. Leaving this students house I was very proud of both of my cooperating teachers for giving so much time to help the student complete a project he wanted to. The extra work and time my teacher devote to the project allow the student to be successful in the program and also do something he enjoys.