Principles of Individual Differences

Kaye Dematera

Definition

“Individual differences stand for the variations or deviations among individuals in regard to a

single characteristic or a number of characteristics.”

-Carter B. Good

Types of individual differences

Types of individual differences

• Physical difference – Difference in acquired physical characteristics.

• Mental difference - People differ in intellectual abilities and capacities.

idiot, imbecile, moron, border line, normal, very superior and genius

Types of individual differences

• Emotional difference - Individuals also differ in the manner they express their emotions.

• Differences in psychomotor skills - Individuals are found to differ with regard to development and acquisition of one or more types of skills.

Types of individual differences

• Differences in achievement - Differences exist in achievement and in knowledge among individuals.

• Differences in interests and aptitudes -Variations occur among the individuals in relation to the specific tastes and interests.

Types of individual differences

• Learning Differences - Some learn more easily and are able to make use of their learning more comfortably than others.

• Difference in attitudes, beliefs and opinions

Factors Effecting Individual Differences

Trisha Nathalie Roma

Factors Effecting Individual Differences

1. Heredity

What occurs naturally as a function of the genes

2. Environment

What is learned and communicated in different cultures or other social groups

Educational Implications of Individual Difference

Trisha Nathalie Roma

1. In any group there are individuals who deviate from the norms of the group.

2. Every teacher should try to have the desired knowledge of the abilities, capacities, interest, attributes, aptitudes, and other 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.

3. It is wrong to expect uniformity in gaining proficiency or success in a particular field from a group of students on account of their subnormal intelligence, previous knowledge , back ground, lack of proper interest, aptitude and attitude etc. some students lay behind in one or the other area of achievement.

4. All students cannot be benefited by a particular method of instruction and a uniform and rigid curriculum.

Role of Schools in Meeting the Individual Difference

1. Proper knowledge of the individual’s potentialities

2. Ability grouping

3. Adjusting curriculum

4. Adjusting the method of teaching.