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What is differentiated instruction?
Differentiated instruction is based upon the belief that students learn best when they make connections between the curriculum and their diverse interests and experiences, and that the greatest learning occurs when students are pushed slightly beyond the point where they can work without assistance. This point differs for students who are working below grade level and for those who are gifted in a given area. Rather than simply "teaching to the middle" by providing a single avenue for learning for all students in a class, teachers using differentiated instruction match tasks, activities, and assessments with their students' interests, abilities, and learning preferences.
What differentiation means for teachers
Teachers should make every effort to:
• provide several learning options, or different paths to learning, which help students take in information and make sense of concepts and skills
• provide appropriate levels of challenge for all students, including those who lag behind, those who are advanced, and those right in the middle
• Engage ALL Students by utilizing Differentiated Instruction Targets: Thinking and Learning
Learning style : Visual, auditory, kinesthetic, Motivation, Interests, Pace, Culture
Differentiated Instruction Examples ideas for Second Language-
Primary through Secondary
Picture walk through a story
Introduce vocabulary before reading, even in science and math
I read, we read, you read
Give students a colored piece of paper or an index card so they can track as they read
High school or middle grade students
Give them colored cards as they listen to ebook of partner read.
Whole to part Differentiation
Give the big picture
Set goals
Objective or Big Idea of the Day
Have students copy objective or big idea of the day
Use pictures whenever possible
Act out words
Have students draw pictures
Summarize before closing the lesson
Have students tell one idea or concept they learned- Peer Teaching is an ideal form of Differentiation.
Journals
Peer Evaluations
Future assignments
Big ideas or concepts learned.
USE OF TECHNOLOGY!!!
Think about How would YOU want to be tested? If you are excited about teaching about it the students will be excited to learn about it! So
• Essay
• Peer Assessment
• Self-Assessment
• Projects
• Multiple choice
• True false
• Written problems to solve
• Role Play /Acting
• Combination of methods
Differentiation is more than just a worksheet! You have to be flexible and willing to tailor your lessons to the individual needs of your students. You have to determine the strenghts and weakness of your class, But I promise you it will make a HUGE difference in the excitement level in your class, as well as the progress and attainment of your students.
