Differentiation is a rational approach to meeting the needs of individual learners, but actually making it possible on a daily basis in the classroom can be a challenge. Because no two students learn the same way, differentiating a lesson makes a teacher’s curriculum more accessible to students whose abilities vary from their peers. Tailor assignments based on students’ learning goals – Using differentiation strategies to shake up … Many teachers incorrectly assume … Differentiated Instruction (DI) is defined as the planning and delivery of classroom instruction that considers the varied levels of readiness, learning needs, and interests of each learner in the class. A pernicious classroom environment cannot invite learners to be comfortable with themselves and one another. Differentiated instruction is a way of modifying the learning experience to meet students where they are. Differentiated instruction IS more qualitative than quantitative. Faced with such diversity, many schools are implementing differentiated instruction in an effort to effectively address all students' learning needs. Today's classrooms are filled with diverse learners who differ not only culturally and linguistically but also in their cognitive abilities, background knowledge, and learning preferences. King University’s online Master of Education in Teacher Leaders degree program features coursework that focuses on inclusion and diversity in the classroom, as well as curriculum theory and instructional design. Therefore, differentiated instruction may be the panacea that educators are searching for. Grouping students by similar ability levels helps both teachers and students. There is no magic key just the desire to know that your learners need it. A handy working definition of differentiation – though still very broad – is provided by Simon Coffey, when he describes it as “A philosophy of education that recognises that pupils learn differently, that is, at different speeds but also qualitatively differently”. Grouping, varying amounts of time, or changing the task are the most common types of differentiation. Differentiated instruction, also known as differentiated learning, is a teaching philosophy that considers the needs of all students, even if they’re in the same (virtual) classroom. In an effectively differentiated classroom, the teacher focuses on building a learning community where students feel safe, accepted, and supported. Here are ways to manage. Trivial and fluffy curriculum remains trivial and fluffy, even after differentiation. Create Learning Stations. Differentiation is the educational practice of modifying or adapting instruction, school materials, subject content, class projects, and assessment methods to better meet the needs of diverse learners. When searching for technology that promotes differentiated instruction, you should look for how standards correlate, the availability of formative assessments, and options of different skill levels on the same content. Differentiation that is founded in ineffective classroom practice cannot succeed. Differentiation refers to a wide variety of teaching techniques and lesson adaptations that educators use to instruct a diverse group of students, with diverse learning needs, in the same course, classroom, or learning environment. (Duh.) Differentiated instruction in the classroom can be done several ways. A differentiated classroom provides opportunities for student success, but not a guarantee that all students will succeed. Put simply, differentiation in teaching means tailoring your lessons for students with individual needs. In fact, research shows that there will be a steady increase in Hispanic, Asian Americans, and African American students in the coming years. Differentiation in the classroom is a tough gig. At its most basic level, differentiation consists of the efforts of teachers to respond to variance among learners in the classroom. To differentiate effectively and support individual and diverse students in the classroom, the teacher is required to be flexible in their approach in order to adjust: The resource aims to contextualise differentiation and to suggest a number of strategies to support differentiated teaching and learning in … To learn about some of my favorite resources for multisensory teaching, tune in tomorrow for my follow-up post, "Resources for the Differentiated Classroom." This involves changing the content, delivery, or methods of learning to ensure every child learns in a way that’s suitable for them. When they first learn new mathematical concepts, pupils use much of their working memory to think about what they are being taught. Differentiating is a craft and one that takes practice. Ideas include anchor charts, activities, task cards, test prep, and lessons that help students work on speaking and listening standards. One where students treat one another with respect, help one another to be productive, and share in one another’s successes. Differentiation is the act of making something different.   In a differentiated classroom, teachers recognize that all students are different and require varied teaching methods to be successful. It is expected, required. One reason why differentiation is so important in ESOL is that the learners are so varied. Page 1: Defining Differentiated Instruction. In heterogeneously grouped classrooms, for example, teachers vary instructional stra… Close. Differentiation has been defined as ‘an approach to teaching that attempts to ensure that all students learn well, despite their many differences’ (original emphasis). In education, differentiation can take on several approaches: Whenever a teacher reaches out to an individual or small group to vary his or her teaching in order to create the best learning experience possible, that … differentiation, were searched for additional references. ... With these clarifications in mind, to create a hybrid of direct instruction and cooperative learning in your classroom, follow these steps: In a differentiated classroom, students understand what differentiation is all about and everyone feels they play an important role in the community. Mr. Shelton learns that differentiated instruction is an approach whereby teachers adjust their curriculum and instruction to maximize the learning of all students: average learners, English language learners, struggling students, students with learning disabilities, and gifted and talented students. Differentiated instruction or curriculum is when teachers maximize the learning potential of a classroom by modifying curriculum, teaching methods, learning resources and activities to address the needs of the students, as individuals or small groups gathered by learning level or readiness. We know from decades of cognitive science that our working memory – what we can think about in the moment and give attention to – is limited, some say between 4-7 pieces of information. Graduates are better prepared to implement contemporary a… As far as grouping goes, students can be grouped by ability level, interests, or intermingled levels of understanding. Articles were included in this review if they made pertinent reference to the model of differentiated … Have a different weekend! Differentiation is an art that takes years practice but is never mastered. Varied versions of an ill-focussed product are no more helpful. Here are three educational technologies that enhance DI in the classroom: That is why when we want to remember a telephone number we have to keep on repeating it so that it is n… Differentiating instruction isn’t easy, but teachers and professional learning facilitators can work together to overcome the obstacles. Differentiated instruction is not a single strategy, but rather an approach to instruction that incorporates a variety of strategies. Differentiation in the secondary classroom? Differentiation in the classroom is an important skill for teachers to give pupils the best chance at learning, regardless of their abilities, strengths and weaknesses. Students have a voice in how the community works and take responsibility for identifying a… For the purposes of this paper, only research studies dealing with differentiated instruction, over the last 25 years from 1980 to 2005, were included. Students benefit from it. Differentiated instruction allows all students to access the same classroom curriculum by providing entry points, learning tasks, and outcomes that are tailored to students' needs (Hall, Strangman, & Meyer, 2003). Still, differentiation is a juggling act for teachers. Provide different types of content by setting up learning stations — divided … Differentiate instruction and encourage accountability talks. approach that helps educators tailor their teaching so that all students As inclusive education grows, so too does the need for effective differentiated instruction strategies in the classroom. It improves classroom management. Differentiation refers to a wide variety of teaching techniques and lesson adaptations that educators use to instruct a diverse group of students, with diverse learning needs, in the same course, classroom, or learning environment. What is differentiated instruction? Read about tried and tested strategies and find one that meets the needs of you and your students. Differentiated instruction, while an important tactic for student success, requires some education and expertise to do well. Students bring with them individual needs – (sometimes labelled as learning styles) and barriers to learning that may make student achievement challenging, even in a differentiated classroom. Differentiation is a key high impact teaching strategy (HITS) used by teachers to craft lessons that provide the right amount of support and challenge for every student. You have to learn to be flexible, to use a range of strategies and have methods you can pull out the bag when you realise it is going wrong. 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