Lesson 2

After watching the videos on Vision and Hearing, describe how this information impacts you as a teacher.

Because the window for the neural connections to form in the vision system is so short students in my classroom will have already long finished this stage of development. The impact as a teacher will be in understanding if there are visual issues as well as looking for signs of visual problems that could be impacting the student's learning.  Getting to know my students and being aware of warning signs that I can look for can enable me to let parents and the student know if further evaluation by a specialist is needed.  As a middle or high school teacher I may not be with the student for a significant amount of time. I may not catch signs that a teacher or person who is with the student for more time might catch but being aware and watchful could help if a warning sign is presenting itself.  I also need to be aware that sometimes the eyes can get overwhelmed by sensory input and providing a calming space that the eyes can rest can also help enhance the learning environment.  Walls that are covered with information and posters can detract from learning by providing too much visual stimulation.

Likewise, auditory input impacts learning.  In the classroom it is important to avoid constant, repetitive sounds and loud noises that could damage hearing.  Hopefully this would never be an issue in a classroom! Being aware of the auditory stimulation going on around the classroom both in and out is important.  Listening to and playing music can enhance the learning process as well as create a calm mood that can help students relax and learn.  Being aware that some students may have a special need requiring the use of headphones and mp3 players is also important.  Sometimes a student needs that "background" sound to keep them calm and focused.  I experienced this as a paraprofessional and as a parent.  Teaching students the importance of keeping the volume down on headphones is also important even if it seems they aren't listening to that piece of advice!

Both vision and hearing greatly impact the ability to learn and staying aware of potential problems as well as creating a healthy visual and auditory environment will be of great importance as a teacher.