As a university educator teaching pre-service teachers about teaching methodologies, I engage with around 30 students weekly. My context presents unique challenges, particularly as teaching is not viewed as a high-status profession, leading to varying levels of engagement among my students. I am motivated to develop materials focused on differentiation to enhance student engagement and motivation, leveraging the autonomy I have within a broad syllabus.

In a recent conversation with Noa, we explored how to address the specific needs of learners with special educational needs, focusing on autism, dyslexia, and color blindness. I plan to implement an activity where my students will analyze a previously micro-taught lesson through the lens of these specific needs. By assigning roles to small groups, I aim for them to gain insights into how to accommodate diverse learners effectively.

The discussion highlighted the importance of fostering empathy among my student teachers by allowing them to step into the shoes of learners with different needs. We discussed how this role-playing activity would not only enhance their understanding but also lead to actionable strategies they can apply in their future classrooms. The conversation emphasized that while some students may have prior exposure to special educational needs, others might require more foundational support.

I felt encouraged by our dialogue, recognizing that addressing both cognitive and affective domains is crucial for my students' growth. By assessing their confidence levels before and after the activity, I hope to enhance their motivation and engagement further.

From this conversation, I took away valuable insights about creating a supportive learning environment that encourages collaboration and respect for diverse learning needs. I am committed to facilitating an engaging group activity that will allow my students to produce practical strategies for differentiation and deepen their understanding of special educational needs.

In conclusion, fostering empathy through experiential learning is vital in preparing future educators. By equipping them with actionable strategies and promoting collaboration, we can create inclusive classrooms that cater to all learners' diverse needs.