What is differentiation?
-Differentiated instruction means changing the pace, level, or kind of instruction you provide in response to individual learners’ needs, styles, or interests (Heacox, 2002, pg. 5).
-- This means learning is not one size fits all. Lessons are adapted to meet the needs of the students in each class.
What is differentiation?
- Flexible groups are used in differentiated instruction. This means instructional groups will be created and prescribed certain activities based on student learning needs (Heacox, 2002, pg. 85).
-Groupings and tasks are always changing. Students will be given the opportunity to learn from an individual starting point (Heacox, 2002,- pg. 15).
Flexible Groups-Throughout the year, students will be grouped together to
complete certain tasks that fit their instructional needs or
interests. Groups are always changing, depending on the
lesson and which skills each student has mastered.
-Sometimes students will be working cooperatively and
sometimes they will just be working on the same tasks as their
group.
-At times, specific tasks will be assigned to groups, but other
times they will choose from a menu.
Looping/Pathways-There will be times when students can “test out” of
certain activities.
--They will be given a more advanced alternative activity
that will take the place of the activities that they tested
out of.
--All students will be responsible for turning in the work
assigned to them. Rubrics will be given that explain the
grading procedures for each assignment.
Advantages
-Students individual learning styles, interests, and
needs will be addressed.
-Students will get extra opportunities to ask for help or
explore areas more in depth.
--
Advantages
Time will be used more efficiently.
-Regardless of the complexity, students will be working
on the same essential learning questions.
-- All students will be moving forward in their learning at
all times.
References
Heacox, Diane. (2002). Differentiating Instruction in the
regular classroom. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit
Publishing, Inc.
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