Name: |
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René Elizabeth Garrison, Ph.D.
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Academic School: |
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School of Education
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Academic Department: |
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Differentiated Instruction
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Titles/Responsibilities: |
Program Director Associate Professor
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Contact Information: |
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Office Location/Hours: |
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Plassmann Hall, B06
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Courses Taught: |
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Academic Degrees: |
- Ph.D., Education, Special Education, State University of New York at Buffalo
- Dissertation title: Wroblewski, R. E. (2006). What happens after 3:00?: The social relationships of adolescents with Down syndrome. Dissertation presented to the faculty of the Graduate School of Education at the University at Buffalo. Available at UMI Dissertations [on-line].
- M.S.Ed., Exceptional Education, State University of New York College at Buffalo
- B.S., Elementary and Exceptional Education, State University of New York College at Buffalo
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Accomplishments: |
- Bardsley, M. E., Berkes, E. J., English, S., Gradwell, J. M., Lesniak, K M., McCarthy, D. S., Mosley, M. , Shanahan, L.E., & Wroblewski, R. E. (2007) Invited presentation – Peer Support Groups for Writing and Research in Graduate School and Beyond. Presented at the 2007 annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association. Chicago, IL.
- Parmar, R. S., Wroblewski, R. E., Clements, D., & Sarama, J. (In Press). Measurement. In C. Fennell (Ed.) Special Education and Mathematics: Helping Students with Learning Difficulties Achieve Mathematical Proficiency. Reston, VA: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
- Wroblewski, R. E. (April 2007). Through a New Looking Glass: Social Interactions of Adolescents with Disabilities Through an Educational/Sociological perspective. Paper presented at the 2007 annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association. Chicago, IL
- Wroblewski, R. E. (November, 2006). Just Get Out of the Way: How Teenaged Boys Include Their Friends with Disabilities in Recreational Activities. Presented at the 2006 TASH conference, Baltimore, MD
- Wroblewski, R. E. (November, 2006). In the Author’s Chair: Preservice Teachers Write Children’s Books About Disability. Presented at the 2006 TASH conference, Baltimore, MD
- Wroblewski, R. E., Reddish, J., & Ferdinand, P. (May, 2006). Once Upon a Time: Preservice Teachers Write Children’s Books About Disability. Presented at Inclusive Schools and Communities: Building Capacity Through Learning Communities, sponsored by the New York State Education Department. Rye Town, NY
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Teaching Philosophy: |
My basic philosophy of teaching is based on two firmly held beliefs. - First, that all people are capable of learning. I strongly believe that if a student is not learning in my class, then I must change something in order for that student to be successful. I teach courses in Differentiated Instruction, which means providing different opportunities for students to engage in learning given their own background knowledge, interests, and strengths. I strive to practice what I preach and differentiate instruction in my own courses as much as possible, while still holding high standards for all students.
- Second, I believe that learning should not be a painful experience. I want my students to enjoy learning and try to design class activities that push their thinking and allow them to take academic risks in a safe environment. I believe that if learners are actively engaged and excited about the class, then they can’t help but learn.
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Current Research Interests/Projects: |
- Inclusion of students with moderate, multiple, and severe disabilities
- Utilization of natural support networks for students with significant disabilities
- Differentiating instruction for students with disabilities and/or academic giftedness
- Social relationships of adolescents with Down Syndrome
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Other Interests/Community Involvement: |
- Active in community Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts
- Chairperson, TASH Personnel Preparation Committee
- Judge, International ThinkQuest Competition
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