Differentiating Instruction

In response to the varied student learning needs, differentiation will be a key component of this classroom. It is “designed to improve access to the general education curriculum by adapting instruction to each student’s diverse learning needs” (Smith, 2007). “Differentiation instruction means changing the pace, level, or kind of instruction you provide in response to individual learners’ needs, styles, or interest” (Heacox, 2012). Because each student comes to this 6th grade classroom with unique needs, differentiation will implemented frequently to ensure that each student receives the rigor needed to master the 6th grade curriculum. It will be relevant to your student and his/her needs. It will provide an appropriate level of challenge. It will be engaging and at times, it will offer choices. Delivery of differentiated instruction will frequently involve centered based learning activities and small group instruction. A list and description of some of the centers will be distributed to parents and is attached as Appendix

Differentiating instruction is a valuable instructional management and delivery tool, which can be used to assist teachers in meeting the needs of the diverse populations of students which they now find in their classrooms. In using these strategies, a teacher may use pre-assessments to determine the learning styles, interests and readiness of the students, prior to the introduction of a lesson or unit. After developing a learner profile, the teacher may then differentiate according to the readiness of the student, by process of delivery, and by the product which the student may produce to

Differentiation of instruction is the process of teaching in a way to meet the needs of students with differing abilities in the same class, including those with special learning needs. One way to do this is by providing several different avenues by which all students can learn the same material. In differentiating instruction, teachers plan out and implement a variety of approaches to content, process, product, and environment. Differentiated instruction is used to meet the needs of student differences in readiness, interests, and learning needs. Many people in the education field believe differentiation has the potential to transform teaching and learning in a way that raises expectations for all students.

The use of technology in the classroom is an important tool to utilize as an educator. Technology allows for educators to have instant access to a plethora of resources that would not be available if technology was not used in the classroom. Teachers have the ability to plan lessons, create presentations, and have interactive games for students to use as a learning tool through the use of different digital devices. Modern day technology is rapidly advancing and providing teacher with many different tools to use in the classroom to enhance the students learning experience.

Differentiated instruction is different from traditional classroom instruction in several ways. In differentiated instruction, teachers use on-going assessments instead of on assessment at the end of the unit. Differentiated instruction also uses flexible grouping, such as small groups or peer pairs, rather than simply whole-group instructions. Additionally, differentiated instruction uses an array of teaching methods based on the students learning style. Finally, differentiated instruction uses a variety of learning materials.

There are many benefits of technology in the classroom starting with kindergarten. These four benefits would be it enriches basic skills, provides motivation, broadens children’s horizons, and prepares them for the workforce. As this is not as much of a problem for younger children as it is older, technology is still a force that continually helps. Technology in classrooms can accelerate the basic skills of kids. Technology can make children more interested in what they are learning and then they will learn it faster. Technology is a lot more stimulating and interactive for children. The interactiveness is was really helps children and anyone learn the best (Hatch, 5). In Andelic’s article, The Impact of Information Technologies on Preschool Child Development, it says “As the old Chinese proverb says: “What I hear I forget, what I see I remember, what I do I understand,”(Andelic, 262). This statement is very true and something all teachers should go by. When someone does something, that is how they learn and the thing they will remember the most. Doing and being interactive is the real way to learn something to its full extent. Technology is also very motivational for children. For children, technology is viewed more as a fun thing because of the stimulation it provides. This can really motivate children to want to learn more because they truly enjoy it and have fun while learning. Interactive games are very motivational because the gratification of winning and advancing to

First of all, technology provides you with effective ways of learning during school. A variety of people learn better by just sitting in class listening to a lecture or simply watching a PowerPoint. But then on the other hand, some people learn better visualizing what they are learning. With technology, you would be provided with this opportunity to get visual views of what you are learning. You could find a video over the topic you are discussing in class, maybe look at some pictures or animations, and perhaps you can even look for an

The Elements of Differentiation (Tomlinson, 1999, pp. 9-14) are the key aspects of a differentiated classroom. There is not one element of differentiation that is more important than the other and a few will naturally fall into place simultaneously as

Learning Differences: In order to support learning differences in the classroom, I will modify my lesson plans accordingly to meet the needs of every student. I will ensure that instructions are clear and easy to understand. I will break the learning into small steps, and supply quality feedback when needed. I will also model what needs to be done, to provide an example for my students. In order to support learning differences, as a Teacher I will modify my lesson plans.

Differentiated instruction is a very important aspect to the school environment. Every student learns at a different pace and it’s imperative to guide them at a comfortable rate. In the first YouTube video, “Differentiation and The Brain: A discussion with Carol-Ann Tomlinson,” Carol Ann Tomlinson explicitly explains her take on differentiated instruction, and how it can be applied in school. In the second YouTube video, “Getting Started on Differentiated Instructions” Carol Ann Tomlinson discusses how differentiated instruction is responsive teaching and how teachers need to proactively plan varied approaches (Tomlinson, 2005). It was interesting to read about her take on differentiated instruction through her article, “What is differentiated

I will address a wide range of skills and abilities in my classroom by differentiating instructions. I believe that students reach their highest level of thinking at different rates and in their own way. Therefore, teachers must teach in the way their students learn. I will address my student's needs by using various strategies such as individual learning, collaborative learning and scaffolding my lessons. Individual learning will allow students to complete their assignments at their own level and rate and collaborative learning promotes peer learning. I believe peer learning will improve students progress as they work towards a common goal. I will also scaffold my lessons and design activities and assessments that will support multiple learning

In today’s educational environment, all students expect to receive the same level of instruction from schools and all students must meet the same set of standards. Expectations for students with learning disabilities are the same as students without any learning difficulties. It is now unacceptable for schools or teachers to expect less from one segment of students because they have physical disabilities, learning disabilities, discipline problems, or come from poor backgrounds. Standardize testing has resulted in making every student count as much as their peers and the most positive impact has been seen with the lowest ability students. Schools have developed new approaches to reach these previously underserved students while

Another area that is closely related to differentiation is small-group instruction within the whole-group setting. Incorporating small groups into the regular classroom setting allows for more flexibility in adjusting desired learning goals for small groups of students. Enrichment opportunities can be included for students who have demonstrated mastery of a concept and remediation for those who require more assistance. Research indicates that the inclusion of small-groups promotes greater gains in achievement than whole-class instruction (Abrami, Lou, Chambers, Poulsen, & Spence, 2000). Although these methods may be time

Within a scheme of work differentiation must also be used as this is an approach to teaching that attempts to ensure that all the learners learn well despite their many differences. Having the ability to differentiate within teaching is a great attribute as “A teacher who understands what helps a learner learn will be a better teacher because they recognize differences and are prepared to alter

By differentiating the numeracy program, all students’ needs will be targeted by exposing students to outcomes and activities, which are achievable and challenging for students. The focus learning area for each lesson and group of learners will be tailored to suit the individual learning needs of the students as will the set tasks associated with the learning focus. Students will be supported by the class teacher and the strategies put in place within each lesson. The purpose of differentiating is to engage students within both instruction and learning in the classroom (The Literacy & Numeracy Secretariat, 2008).