FS 1 Learning Episode 2: Learner Diversity:
Developmental Characteristics, Needs and Interests
Name:_______________________________________________________
Year and Course:_____________________________________________
Intended Learning Outcomes
At the end of this Learning Episode, I must be able to:
Describe the characteristics, needs and interests of learners from developmental levels.
Learning Essentials
Here are major principles of development relevant to this Episode:
1. Development is relatively orderly. Development follows directional pattern such as, from the head to toe
(cephalocaudal), and from the center of the body then outwards (proximodistal).
2. Development takes gradually.
3. All domains of development and learning – physical, social and emotional, and cognitive are important,
and they are closely interrelated.
4. Development proceeds toward gender complexity, self-regulation, symbolic or representational
capabilities
Observe, Analyze, Reflect
Activity 2.1 Observing learner characteristics at different stages.
Resource Teacher:_______________________________ School: ________________
Grade Level:_________________________ Subject: ___________ Date: __________
To realize the Intended Learning Outcomes, I will work your way through these steps:
Step 1. Interview and observe 3 kinds of learners from different levels (preschool, elem., and high school).
Step 2. Describe and validate each of the learners based on interview and observations.
Step 4. Compare them in terms of their interests and needs.
OBSERVE
Use the observation guide and matrices provided for you to document your observations and
interview.
An Observation Guide for the Learners’ Characteristics
Read and follow the following statements carefully. Then write your interview and observation report
on the space provided.
Physical
1. Observe their gross motor skills how they carry themselves, how they move, walk, run, go up the
stairs, etc.
2. Are gross movements clumsy or deliberate/smooth?
3. How about their fine motor skills? Writing, drawing etc.
Social
1. Describe how they interact with teachers and adults.
2. Note how they also interact with peers. What are they used to talk about? What are their concerns?
Emotional
1. Describe the emotional disposition or temperament of the learners (happy, sad, easily cries, mood-
shifts))
2. How do they express their wants/needs? Can they wait?
3. How do they handle frustrations?
4. Describe their level of confidence as shown in their behavior. Are they self-conscious?
Cognitive
1. Describe their ability to communicate their ideas. Note their language proficiency.
2. Describe how they figure out things. Do they comprehend easily? Look for evidence of their thinking
skills.
3. Were there opportunities for problem solving? Describe they showed problem solving abilities.
Learners’ Development Matrix
Record the data you gathered about the learners’ characteristics and needs in this matrix. This will
allow you to compare the characteristics and needs of learners at different levels. The items under
each domain are by no means exhaustive. These are just indicators. You may add others aspects
with you have observed.
Development Domain Preschooler Elementary High School
Indicate the age of the Indicate the age of the Indicate the age of the
learner:______ learner:______ learner:______
Physical
Gross-motor skills
Fine-motor skills
Self-help skills
Others
Social
Interaction with teacher
Interaction with
classmates/friends
Others
Emotional
Moods and temperament,
expression of feelings
Emotional independence
Others
Cognitive
Communication skills
Thinking skills
Problem-solving
Others
ANALYZE
Write the most salient developmental characteristics of the learners you observed and interviewed.
Based on these characteristics, think of implications for the teacher.
Example:
Level Salient Characteristics Observed Implications to the Teaching-Learning Process
Preschool They like to move around a Therefore, the teacher should remember to
lot use music and movement activities not just
in PE but in all subject areas.
Therefore, teachers should not expect
them to stay seated for a long period of
time.
Level Salient Characteristics Observed Implications to the Teaching-Learning Process
Preschool
Elementary
High School
REFLECT
1. While you were observing and interviewing the learners, did you recall your own experiences when you
were their age? What similarities or differences do you have with the learners?
________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
2. Think of a teacher you cannot forget for positive or negative reasons. How did he/she help or not help
you with your needs (physical, emotional, social and cognitive)? How did it affect you?
________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
SHOW YOUR LEARNING ARTIFACT
Which is your favorite theory of development. How can this guide you as a future teacher? Clip some readings
about this theory and paste them here.
