Sunday, October 16, 2011

What does a Differentiated Classroom Look Like?


A teacher in a DI classroom knows his or her students. This means the teacher:
-Knows and draws upon students' interests
- Know students readiness levels
- Creates a learning profile and assist students using their learning styles
- Differentiates Content, Process and Products

CONTENT
- Use texts at the student's reading level
- Use audio/visual devices
- Use pictures, charts, and visuals 
- Use of mentors
- Allow students to work at their own pace


PROCESS
- Match task complexity to student skill level
- Give students topic choice
- Give students choice based on learning style
- Use graphic organizers
- Use choice boards, cubing, and learning centers

PRODUCT
- Replace tests with product assignments (design, create, develop, make, draw, write)
- Choice of group or individual work
- Rubrics for grading





Teachers can use Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences. This theory follows the thought that learners have strengths in different areas:





Teachers can also research Bloom's Taxonomy - educational objectives:





Resources:
 Tomlinson, C.A. (2001). How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed-Ability Classrooms. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc.

http://www.barcelonafootballblog.com/11368/define-genius/

 

2 comments:

  1. Thanks so much for this great post. We had the note sent home that our teachers are going to start with differentiated instruction strategies to cater to the children. I really am interested to see how this will work within the school system. Thanks so much for your informative post.

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  2. Thanks so much for this great explanation of differentiation in a nutshell! How is it possible to access the video?

    ReplyDelete