Educational implications of individual differences {Headline} Concept of individual difference, Factors influencing individual difference, Educational implications of individual differences for teachers in organizing educational activities. Write the areas of individual differences. What are the causes of individual differences? Individual variation is a universal phenomenon. These differences between individuals that separate them from one another and make one a unique individual are termed Individual differences. The history of individual differences is quite old. In the older days, people were used to different individuals based on age and gender. Then they differed according to their height, weight, and general physique. Today the concept of individual difference is vast, and people differ on measurable personality traits based on various tests. Educational Implications of Individual Differences: {H1} The notion that individuals differ in various abilities, capacities, and personality characteristic necessitates the adoption of individual titles in compels the teachers to realize the following facts: Aims of education { Minor heading } Aims of education, curriculum, and teaching method should be linked with individual differences considering individuals' different abilities and traits. Adjusting the curriculum / Flexible { Minor heading } Curriculums should be flexible and designed per the interests, abilities, and needs of different students. Co-curricular activities { Minor heading } Some co-curricular activities such as Drama, music, and literary activities (Essay & Debate Competitions) should be assigned to children according to their interests. Adjusting the method of teaching { Minor heading } Various methods, such as the playing, project, Montessori, and storytelling methods, are to be used to consider/discover how different children respond to a task or problem. The teacher uses certain specific teaching aids which will attract the children towards teaching, considering their interests and need. Vocational guidance { Minor heading } In the case of vocational guidance, the counselor is to plan the guidance technique keeping in view the needs and requirements of the students. Proper knowledge of individual personality { Minor heading } A teacher should try to know his students' interests, likes, dislikes, capacity aptitudes, and abilities. Other factors { Minor heading } ● Grouping ● The size or strength of the class should be made small. ● Remedial classes Areas of individual differences {H2} ● The difference in Intelligence level ● Differences in Physical Development ● Difference in Achievement ● Differences in Attitude ● Personality Difference ● Differences in Motor Ability ● Difference of Gender in learning ● Differences in Gender in Intelligence ● The Difference in Gender in Achievement ● Racial and National Differences ● Social Difference 1. Difference in Intelligence level{ Minor heading } There are differences in intelligence levels among different individuals. Based on I.Q., individuals can be classified as super normal, above 130 to Idiots below 80. Often the teacher takes into consideration the average children while teaching. They neglect the backward and supernormal. This results in the development of complexes and feelings of failure among the neglected student. The educational programs should be planned based on students' intelligence levels. 2. Differences in Physical Development { Minor heading } Children differ in their physical development. Some are tall, some short, some fat, and some thin. The teacher must remember children's physical development while organizing activities. If children who are more physically deviated should be given proper guidance. 3. Difference in Achievement { Minor heading } Achievement tests have shown that children differ, especially in mathematics and language. The difference in achievement is also found among children of the same I.Q. Achievement is influenced by previous experience and interest. As students differ in achievement, teachers should combine class and individual teaching methods. Different children should be given different assignments and activities to enhance their achievement. 4. Differences in Attitude { Minor heading } Individuals' attitudes towards different people, objects, institutions, and authorities differ. The attitude towards education is not dependent on intelligence level. Still, children learn these attitudes in the home environment at a very early age. Parents ' attitudes toward education are the greatest reason for illiteracy in rural areas. 5. Personality Difference { Minor heading } Personality differences are dependent on personality traits. A teacher should keep these differences in mind while providing education to children. 6. Differences in Motor Ability { Minor heading } The difference in motor activity is seen at every age level. Some perform physical tasks o much more easily than others. Teachers should consider these differences while designing activities and sports. 7. Differences of Gender in Learning { Minor heading } Individual differences are also found in men and women, but hardly any differences are proven in areas of learning. 8. Difference in Gender in Intelligence { Minor heading } Intelligence test shows that both sexes have average similar I.Q. level. But it has been observed that the range of difference between low, medium, and high I.Q. is different in both sexes. It has also been observed that girls' and boys' scores differ in different portions of the I.Q. test. Girls score higher in a portion of linguistics and boys in mathematics. 9. Difference in Gender in Achievement { Minor heading } At the elementary level, girls score higher than boys on achievement tests, which is believed to be because of their better ability in linguistics. 10. Racial and National Differences: { Minor heading } Individuals of different groups and races show differences. Not much has been done on this part. 11. Social Difference { Minor heading } Social differences are seen among children at a very early age. Some children are shy, while some are friendly with strangers. Children also show differences in their quarrels, like abusing, beating, and biting. Meredith's study has shown a difference in children according to their economic status. Children of higher social levels are generally healthier than children from low-income groups. Causes for individual difference: {H3} 1. Heredity: One of the main causes of individual differences. Children inherit the psychological features and mental traits of their parents. 2. Environment: The environment has physical and social features, leading to individual differences. The social environment influences people more than the physical. There is a marked difference in the way of life between Muslim and Christian boys. 3. Age and Intelligence Age: Age causes physical, psychological, and emotional differences resulting in individual differences. Intelligence: Children differ in intelligence from supernatural to idiot, which leads to individual differences. 4. Caste and Race It is accepted that caste and race are potential factors in individual differences. It is said that American white children are more intelligent than Negro children. 5. Gender Difference There is a difference between girls and boys. The difference is physical and mental. Girls are sympathetic, kind, and affectionate, while boys are efficient, competent, and brave. 6. Maturity With the growth of age, there is growth in maturity. Some children reach maturity earlier than others. Some are more mature, and some less, leading to individual differences. 7. Nature The hereditary or genetic contributions to human development. Biological and neurological drivers of development. Range of variation in timing, not sequenced. 8. Nurture Environmental factors and experiences that influence human development and behavior. Environmental influences: quality of child care setting, family economic resources, safety, siblings, etc. Inter & Intra Individual Differences {H4} "Among the most striking characteristics of human cognition is its variability, which is present both between people (inter-individual variability) and within a given person (intra-individual variability)." Siegler 2006 ● Intra-individual variability (within a person)- An indicator of the functioning of the central nervous system. ● Inter-individual variability (between people)- Source of sampling error. Conclusion {H5} In conclusion, Individuality is a gift to society. We have to be different in approach, thinking, problem-solving, and other skills to make the world a better place for living for all beings. Individuality creates uniqueness among us and gives different personalities to every one of us. Hope you will find your answer and thank you for visiting our website.
