This module discusses individual differences and student diversity in the classroom. It begins by challenging students to identify factors that create diversity, demonstrate a positive attitude towards diversity, and develop teaching strategies. It then lists factors like socioeconomic status, learning styles, and exceptionalities that contribute to student diversity. The document outlines benefits of diversity such as enhancing self-awareness, cognitive development, and preparing students for society. Finally, it provides tips for teachers on capitalizing on diversity, including encouraging sharing of experiences, integrating multicultural activities, communicating high expectations, and varying instructional methods.

1. Module 4
INDIVIDUAL
DIFFERENCES

2. Take the Challenge!
In this module, challenge yourself to:
 identify the different factors that bring about
diversity in the classroom.
 demonstrate a positive attitude towards
diversity as an enriching element in the
learning environment.
 come up with teaching strategies.

3. ADVANCE ORGANIZER
INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES
(Student Diversity)
Individual Differences Factors
Benefits of Diversity in the Classroom.
Classroom Strategies for Student
Diversity.

4. Activity:
Provide information about your
1. name:
2. age:
3. gender:
4. nationality:
5. province:
6. language/dialects spoken:
7. hobbies/interests:
8. favorite subjects:
9. subject you are best in:
10. subject you find difficult:
11. ambition:(what you want to be in the future)

5. ANALYSIS:
1. In what ways are you and your classmates
similar?
2. In what ways are you and your classmates
different?
3. How does a girl differ from a boy in behavior?
4. In what ways does an American differ from a
Filipino?
5. How does life in the province differ from that in
the city?
6. Are you glad you have similarities?
differences?

6. FACTORS THAT BRING ABOUT STUDENT
DIVERSITY
In all learning environments, individuals
interact with others who are in some way
different from them. It also comes from other
factors like the following:
 Socioeconomic status
 Thinking/learning style (module 8)
 Exceptionalities (module 9)

7. HOW STUDENT DIVERSITY ENRICHES THE
LEARNING ENVIRONMENT?
1. Students’ self-awareness is enhanced by diversity.
2. Student diversity contributes to cognitive
development.
“The classroom is peculiarly the marketplace of ideas.” –William J. Brennan
3. Student diversity prepares learners for their role
as responsible members of society.
“The classroom can provide more than just theory given by the teacher in a
lecture. With student diversity, the classroom becomes a ‘public place’ where
community can be practiced.” –Suzanne Morse
4. Student diversity can promote harmony.

8. SOME TIPS ON STUDENT
DIVERSITY
1. Encourage learners to share their personal history and
experiences.
2. Integrate learning experiences and activities which
promote students’ multicultural and cross-cultural
awareness.
3. Aside from highlighting diversity, identify patterns of
unity that transcend group differences.
“ Every human is, at the same time, like all other humans, like
some humans, and like no other human.” –Clyde Kluckholn cited in Wong,
1991)
4. Communicate high expectations to students from all
sub-groups.

9. 5. Use varied instructional methods to accommodate
student diversity in learning styles.
6. Vary the examples you use to illustrate concepts in
order to provide multiple contexts that are relevant to
students from diverse backgrounds.
7. Adapt to the students’ diverse backgrounds and
learning styles by allowing them personal choice and
decision-making opportunities concerning what they
will learn and how they will learn it.
8. Diversify your methods of assessing and evaluating
student learning.
9. Purposely, form small-discussion groups of students
from diverse backgrounds. You can form groups of
students with different learning styles, different
cultural background, etc.

10. Thank you
and
Good night!