WELCOME

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Seminar on

INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES: MEANING, SCOPE AND EDUCATIONAL IMPLICATIONS

By
Sajeeba S M.Ed Department of Education
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What is individual differences?

Definitions
Carter B. Good in Dictionary of Education , defined individual differences as the:
1. The variations or deviations among individuals in regard to a single characteristic or a number of characteristics 2. Those differences, which in their totality distinguish one individual from another.
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What is individual differences ?

In short, the differences among individuals that distinguish or separate them from one another and makes one as a unique individual in oneself may be termed as individual differences.

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No two individuals are equal !!!!

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Types of individual differences

The differences or variations that exists among the human beings may be generally grouped or classified in two broad categories: 1. PHYSICAL OR PHYSIOLOGICAL DIFFERENCES 2.PSYCHOLOGICAL DIFFERENCES

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Physical Differences
Differences among individuals in height and weight. Differences in colour of skin ,eyes and hair. Variations in shape of nose ,size of hands and head. Differences in mannerism of speech and walk.

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Psychological Differences
Psychological make-up or conditions generate differences among individuals. Varying intellectual potentialities. Changes in interests ,attitudes and aptitudes. Differences in emotional ,social and moral development.

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Types Of Individual Differences

These two broad categories of Individual Differences may give birth to a number of sub-categories:
Differences related to ,

Physical growth and development. Mental growth and development. Motor skills and abilities. Emotional make-up.
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Types Of Individual Differences (Contd..)

Socialization and social development. Morality and character development. Aesthetic sense and artistic ability. Levels of aspiration, study habits. Status of maturation and learning performance. Overall development of the personality.
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Determinants Of Individual Differences

There are two factors that influence Individual Differences: 1.Hereditary Factor 2.Environmental Factor

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Hereditary Factor
Differences in native endowment and characteristics. Variations in skin colour, shape and structure of body ,colour of eyes.

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Environmental Factor
Each individual is affected by the following environmental factors: Environmental stimulations inside the mother. Varying conditions at the time of birth. The nutrition and care received by the infants at earlier age.

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Environmental Factor (Contd..)

The amount and nature of schooling obtained Socio-economic status of the family. Race, caste and nationality. Education of the parents. Peer group relationship.

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Educational Implications
Teacher should identify the following facts:
In any group there are individuals who

deviate from the norms of the group. Along with the average ,very superior and extremely dull is equally possible in a classroom.
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Educational Implications (Contd..)

Every teacher should try to have the desired knowledge of the abilities, capacities, interests, attitudes and personality traits of his pupils and in the light of this knowledge should render individual guidance to children for the maximum utilization of their potentialities.
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Educational Implications (Contd..)

It is wrong to expect uniformity in

gaining proficiency or success in a particular field from a group of students. All students can not be benefited by a particular method of instruction and by a rigid or uniform curriculum.
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How To Overcome Individual Differences ?

Individualizing the instructional methods [Dalton Plan, Project Method, Programmed
Learning]

Ability Grouping

Adjusting the Curriculum Adjusting the Teaching Methods

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References
1. Mangal S K, Advanced Educational Psychology 2. Dr. Brijesh Upadhya & Dr. Yogesh Kumar Singh, Encyclopedia of Educational Psychology Volume 1

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THANK

YOU

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