Differentiation
Differentiation is a teaching concept in which the teacher plans for the diverse needs of students to foster optimal development for each individual through strategic assessment, thoughtful planning and targeted, flexible instruction. I believe that all students are capable of learning and deserve to learn, although this process may occur at different rates or in different ways. Teachers need to be aware of how to engage each student according to their personal learning styles and understands they need to respond to these differences by creating multiple paths to learning. As an emerging teacher I will look to understand my students needs, appreciate them and build upon the differences to create an enriching experience for everyone. With respect, accommodation and open communication, a safe and inclusive classroom can flourish.
Some differentiated needs to consider would include:
Great resource and reference: Making a Difference: Meeting diverse learning needs with differentiated instruction: http://education.alberta.ca/teachers/resources/cross/making-a-difference.aspx
Some differentiated needs to consider would include:
- Learning style, preference and rate.
- Language proficiency.
- Background experiences and knowledge.
- Motivation of the student.
- Ability to attend school.
- Social and emotional development.
- Physical needs.
Great resource and reference: Making a Difference: Meeting diverse learning needs with differentiated instruction: http://education.alberta.ca/teachers/resources/cross/making-a-difference.aspx
“There is nothing more unequal than the equal treatment of unequal people.”― Thomas Jefferson
Effective Teaching Strategies for Differentiation in a Mixed -Ability Classroom
- Allowing for multiple right answers: open-ended assignments that focus on the process of solving the problem and/or critical thinking.
- Attention to social issues, real world experiences, and community projects:performance assessment tasks, role-plays, simulations, etc. based on authentic situations of interest to students
- Emphasis on Thinking skills: giving students the opportunity to think aloud, discuss their thinking with their peers, and reflect on their thinking in journals.
- Goal setting and planning: involving students in their individual goal setting and the planning of learning activities, one to one with the teacher.
- Flexible pacing: allows for differences in the students' ability to master the curricula.
- Hands-on projects/activities: use of manipulatives.
- High-level questions: questions that draw on advanced levels of information, requiring leaps of understanding and challenging thinking.
- Interest centers: stations of academic activities based on students' interests which are completed independently and at their own pace.
- Shared Inquiry: a distinctive method of learning in which participants search for answers to fundamental questions raised by a text.
- Student choice: providing students opportunities to choose the content, process or product that is of most interest (and most appropriate).
- Tiered instruction: using varied levels of activities to ensure that students explore ideas at a level that builds on their prior knowledge and prompts continued growth. Student groups use varied approaches to exploration of essential ideas.
Reference: http://www.nldontario.org/articles/DifferentiatedClassroom.html