“IF A CHILD HAS INTEREST THEN EDUCATION HAPPENS.” — SUGTA MITRA

HYPOTHESISSTATEMENT

This thesis presents the hypothesis that the methodology by which subcultures are formed may be used as a learning strategy for certain individuals with learning disabilities with traditionally composed K-5 classes. Young students between the ages of 6-12 with learning disabilities such as autism, speech and hearing impairments are usually separated into smaller classes with specialist teachers, tutored, or enrolled into schools specialized in learning disabilities. Studies say that children learn best when absorbed in a collaborative environment. Two new models of education that may provide improvement for children with disabilities involve new subcultures in education following non-traditional curricula. Curricula such as a hands-on project based on experiential learning and a curriculum based on videogames. Implementing such curriculum in classrooms incorporating children with learning disabilities will inspire collaborative interaction through exploration assisting children flourish.

RESEARCH OUTLINE

Introduction/Overview

Using Education Subcultures and their curricula to help K-5 children with learning disabilities

1 What is a Subculture? A. Define B. Present 2- 3 examples of past and present subcultures. C. Talk about their beliefs and what they wish to accomplish as a subculture

2 Learning Disabilities

A. Describe certain learning disabilites in children in grades K-5 (ages 6-12) B. Present case studies in which collaborative music, dance and art was used as a form of communication to engage children with learning disabillities. C. Field research in schools around NYC and how this research help establish a curricula include children with disabilities. 3. Development of Education Subcultures. What is an education subculture? Explain how it is being done through:

A. New education subcultures in the world their experiements and results. B. Case studies/examples of education curricula creating new subcultures in education. C. How are new methods of curricula helping children become better learners?

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“Brightworks: An Extraordinary School”. Web. 8 July 2012. <http://sfbrightworks.org/>. Dywer, Liz. “Should Portfolios Replace Placement Tests”. Good.is. 18 December 2011.Web. 8 July 2012. <http://www.good.is/post/should-portfolios-replace-placement-tests>.

Dywer, Liz. “Why Schools Should Embrace the Maker Movement” Good.is. 18 May2011. Web. 8 July 2012. < http://www.good.is/post/why-schools-should-embrace-themaker-movement/>.

Hsu, Jeremy. “New York Launches Public School Curriculum Based on PlayingGames: Video games and learning exercises form the core of a new public schoolcurriculum”. Popsci: The Future Now. 8 September 2009. Web. 8 July 2012.<http://www.popsci.com/scitech/article/2009-09/first-public-school-based-games-setnycdebut>.

Mitra,Sugta. “The Child Driven Education” Ted: Ideas Worth Spreading: Ted Global2010. September 2010. Web Video. 26 June 2012.<http://www.ted.com/talks/sugata_mitra_the_child_driven_education.html>.