PlaybookLearningDifferences 8.5x11 DIGITAL - Flipbook - Page 15
WHAT IS A STRENGTHS-BASED
APPROACH IN THE CLASSROOM?
A strengths-based approach is student-centered. Instead of being deficit-based (i.e., the learning
difference is a problem), it affirms that all students have talents that they bring to the classroom. Below
are some ways to employ strength-based approaches in your class:
01
Remember
Learning is dynamic, complex, and holistic and can be
demonstrated in different ways. Multiple intelligences exist and can
be utilized in a variety of ways.
02
Investigate
Through conversations with the students, parents, previous educators
and approved strengths-quizzes, identify what activities and approaches
work for students in your class. Also consider how and why these
activities work as a way to discover similar ones to incorporate.
03
Build
What can your student already do? What can they do with support?
What would you like them to be able to do? These questions serve
to assess where your student is and how this can be leveraged to
take them from where they are to other goals.
04
Embed Choice
Give options for students to show what they know; this allows
them to draw on their strengths while allowing you to assess
what they know.
05
Listen to your Students
Consult with, and listen to, your students about how they like
to learn and how they learn best in particular situations. Being
listened to increases buy-in.
06
Limit Labels
All students possess strengths, even if at different levels.
Don't restrict students' ability to grow, to use, or to develop
other strengths in different situations.
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