Differentiated Instruction:

Meeting The Instructional Needs Of Diverse Classrooms

Sergio Meza Padilla, M.Ed.Didáctica del inglés I

Fundación Universitaria Colombo Internacional

Abril 2012

Session Agenda

➡ Definition

➡ Rationale

➡ Framework

➡ Strategies

➡ Resources

Differentiated Instruction

A process that enhances students learning by matching students’ characteristics and differences with changes in various instructional components.

Keep This In Mind

“Differentiated instruction is not a checklist of strategies, but a philosophical approach to teaching all students.”

Carol Ann Tomlinson

Differences Among Students

Prior knowledge or skill expertise

Learning rate

Cognitive ability

Language

Learning style preference

Motivation, attitude, effort

Interests, strength, talent

Gender

Ethnicity

Communication preferences

GOALS Of Differentiation

Academic achievement

Achievement of English Language Learners (ELLs)

Challenge level for achieving students

Support struggling learners

Interest in excitement about learning

Student confidence in own learning ability

Components Of A Unit Study

✓ 1. Objectives

✓ 2. Assessment tools

✓ 3. Resources

✓ 4. Introduction/Closure

✓ 5. Teaching

✓ 6. Learning

✓ 7. Grouping for specific purposes

✓ 8. Products

✓ 9. Extension

1. ObjectivesLevels of knowledge and understanding

Facts/Details

Concepts

Principles

Application skills

Dispositions (beliefs)

Problem solving skills

2. Assessment Tools

Teacher:• Tests and quizzes• Checklists• Rating scales• Rubrics

Student:• Product• Performance• Processes

Sample Pre-assessment Techniques

KWN charts

Journals

Parent letters

Lists and surveys

Products

Conferences

Concept maps

3. Resources And/Or Materials

Connection to standards

Students access (readability, touchability)

Connection to real world

Encourage extension

Ensure variety

4. Introduction

Consider...

Learning styles

Learning strengths

Level ok knowledge and skills

Background knowledge

Sensory preferences

Intro with...

Oral text

Oral presentation/reading

Visuals

Sounds

Experiment

Inquiry question

5. Teaching Strategies

Consider role needed...

Drill instructor

Illustrator

Trainer

Inquirer

Coach

Facilitator

Designer

Who Provides The Instruction?

Teacher

Books

Other students

Video, website, software

Parent

Community resource

Aide

Learner

Audio

6. Learning Activities

Consider role...

• Recall

• Memorize

• Practice

• Sequence

• Describe

• Paraphrase

• Categorize

• Analyze

• See relationships

• Critique

• Apply

• Evaluate

• Decide

• Plan

• Problem solve

• Create

Learning Medium

Listening

Observing

Reading

Interacting

Doing/Manipulating

Thinking

7. Grouping For Specific Purposes

Enhance achievement

Honor student differences

Foster self-regulatory behaviors

Permit ongoing assessment

Alleviate problems associated with ability grouping

8. Pacing Of Instruction

Consider...

✤ Current skill level Flexible grouping

✤ Introduction of new concept

✤ Practice needed

✤ Connection to previous learning (in this course, other current course, previous grade levels)

✤ Review

9. Products

Paper and pencil (recall and recognition)

Authentic assessment tools (higher order skills, depth of learning)

Authentic Responses

Product Performance Process

Essay, story, play, poem, portfolio, model, art exhibit, journal, research paper, science project, audiotape, video, lab report, spreadsheet, technical journal, map diagram, chart, graphics, etc.

Oral presentation, dance/movement, demonstration, athletic skills, dramatic reading, enactment, debate, vocal presentation, instrumental presentation, etc.

Oral questioning, observation, interview, conference, process description, oral description (of thinking, process), learning log, thinking log, reflection journal, etc.

10. Extension ActivitiesTo learn about a related topic

To accommodate students’ interests

To link to current events

To relate to historical events

To explore career opportunities

To transfer or apply new learning

To solve a related problem

To share a personal experience

To increase intrinsic motivation for learning

Thanks!

Differentiated Instruction:

Meeting The Instructional Needs Of Diverse Classrooms

Sergio Meza Padilla, M.Ed.Didáctica del inglés I

Fundación Universitaria Colombo Internacional

Abril 2012