What is Differentiated Instruction?

When the topic of differentiated instruction comes up, people sometimes become confused. I know differentiated instruction (DI) is making sure that all students succeed by creating lessons to fit their individual needs and learning styles. I also know that DI is NOT creating individual lessons for each student. So what exactly is differentiated instruction?

"At its most basic level, differentiating instruction means 'shaking up' what goes on in the classroom so that students have multiple options for taking in information, making sense of ideas, and expressing what they learn" (Tomlinson, 2001).

Differentiated Instruction suits the needs of advanced, average, and struggling learners by tailoring  lessons to meet students' levels.


"The goal of the teacher is coming to understand more and more about that learning position so that learning matches learner need" (Tomlinson, 2001).

Reference:

Tomlinson, C.A. (2001). How to differentiate instruction in mixed-ability classrooms (2 edition). Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

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

Technology and Differentiation

Technology is a big part of education in today's classrooms. Multimedia can be a great tool for differentiation. Multimedia devices are becoming popular technological tools in classrooms around the country.  Teachers are not just using computers to enhance instruction, but have incorporated digital cameras, DVD players, iPods, Smart Boards, and iPads as ways to meet individual learners’ needs. 

Websites and the internet can foster student learning. Here are some ways teachers can use technology in their classrooms:

MULTIMEDIA

Laptops - Providing students with laptops allows learning to be at their fingertips. Even reluctant learners become excited when allowed access to a computer.
 http://www.sunjournal.com/state/story/988012

iPads - These devices have recently been piloted in special education classrooms. With hundreds of apps, students with special needs are given new opportunities for instruction and intervention. Teachers, therapists, and parents have embraced this new technology as a motivating way for struggling students to learn.

 iPods - Mp3 players have also been used in special education as portable devices to assist with speech, language, and direction following.  Portable video devices can be used to demonstrate directions, and assist with social skills. This fosters independence in students with significant challenges.

http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/education/x286846253/iPods-help-special-education-students-excelhttp://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/education/x286846253/iPods-help-special-education-students-excel

SMART Boards - These interactive whiteboards can be used with learners at all ability levels. Lessons can be tailored for group instruction and can fit students individual needs.

http://rse.sagepub.com/content/30/1/47.shorthttp://rse.sagepub.com/content/30/1/47.short

Differentiated Assessment

 "Most assessments are designed to know students as people and learners" (Chapman & King, 2005).

Teachers assess students for a variety of reasons - to find baseline data of where a student currently is learning, to assess what the student is currently learning, and to see what the student has learned after a lesson. It is important for educators to assess students throughout the entire learning process.

Before Learning Assessments:

• Observation 
• KWL charts
• Response Cards
• Show & Tell
• Formal Pretests

During Learning Assessments:

• Learning Games
• Taking Notes
• Student self-talk

After Learning Assessments

• Open ended questions
• Rubrics
• Checklists
• Student Rating Scales

DIFFERENTIATED ASSESSMENT

1. Curriculum Compacting Model
1. Individual Students
2. Grade Level
2. Contract Model
3. Project Based
4. Problem Based
5. Cubing
6. Choice Boards
7. Agendas
8. Centers and Labs
9. Group Work

Differentiated Assessment allows teachers a variety of ways to find out what students are learning.


Reference:
Chapman, C., & King, R. (2005). Differentiated assessment strategies one tool doesn't fit all. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press, Inc.