Mind Matters

Emily Kircher-Morris talks with Barbara Pape, Senior Director of the Learner Variability Project, about the concept of learner variability. The conversation touches on the importance of recognizing each student's unique strengths and challenges. They explore how educators can support neurodivergent learners through personalized instruction, they cover the role of technology in education, and talk about the need for a sense of belonging in the classroom. The discussion also touches on the barriers educators face in addressing learner variability and the evolution of educational policy to better support diverse learners. TAKEAWAYS Learner variability is the recognition that each student has unique strengths and challenges. Teaching to the middle does not effectively reach any student. Understanding learner variability allows educators to see design challenges rather than student problems. The Learner Variability Navigator is a tool for educators to understand and support diverse learners. Creating a s