How I Improved My Teaching Using Differentiation Techniques and Technology by Julie Murray – jmurray@reading.k12.ma.us

- Assessment Reflections and Retakes - -Assessment Reflections ask the student to reflect on his or her performance and require the student to search for the errors and/or fix them, while some reflections simply ask the student to comment on classroom performance . -Retaking Quizzes/Tests: The students ultimately need to learn the material, so retakes should be an option. A 15- minute tutorial beforehand with the teacher is required. from Rick Wormeli’s Differentiated Instruction

EXAMPLE: Reflection of Run-ons and Fragments Quiz (CORRECTION SHEET) Item Topic Right Wrong Simple Mistake Really Didn’t Understand Didn’t Study PART 1 FANBOYS __________________________ Three Ways to Fix a Run-on CORRECT ANSWER: _________________________ 1. Run-on Correction: ______________________________________________________________________________ 2. 3. 4. Run-on Corrections: PART 2 Three Types of Fragments

Seminar Self-Evaluation (EXAMPLE OF A REFLECTION ONLY) Name___________________ Group______ Please rate your personal performance on each the following seminar components 1=EXCELLENT 2=VERY GOOD 3=FAIR 4=IMPROVEMENT NEEDED Seminar manners 1 2 3 4 References to the text 1 2 3 4 Contributions to the discussion 1 2 3 4 Comments:__________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Teacher’s Comments:__________________________________________________

Bloom’s Taxonomy: the Higher Order of Thinking -Quick Flip Questions for Critical Thinking -Cubing - Questions Driven by Bloom’s Taxonomy and Linda Barton -Seminar -Debates -Lit. Circles -Lesson Plan Matrix -Differentiated Groups and Cubing

Multiple Intelligences and Assessments -Multi-Genre Book Reports http://austinrobichaud.glogster.com/glog/ -Wikis http://msmurraysenglishclassroom.pbworks.com/The-Giver-Book-Talk-3 -Tableaux -Hot Seating -Vocabulary Drama -Flip Cameras -Power Point -Literature Circles -CPS -Save the Last Word for Me -Lexicon Sets -Large-Group Seminar -United Streaming www.unitedstreaming.com -Flip Chart

Sick Health Romeo and Juliet – the Oxymoron Tableaux Depicting Romeo’s Speech in Act 1, Scene 2 Sick Health

Cold Fire

Heavy Lightness

The Hot Seat

Literature Circle -Students choose a book tailored to their reading level. -Students are placed in a group with peers who share a similar reading level -Norms are presented, i.e. complete reading, bring book to circle, complete written requirement, etc. -Roles are selected. These roles address the students’ strengths (MI). -There is also the option of the Multi-Role Worksheet and Save the Last Word for Me. -Students independently discuss the novel. -Shakespeare fiction, Africa books, Middle East books…

Save the Last Word for Me STEP #1 1. Choose three passages from various chapters. These passages should have spoken to you, passages on which you can provide an insight, an interpretation. 2. Record below on what page your passages are found. Include the paragraph number, especially if you feel you may need to search for it during circle time. Then, write your insights in the space provided. STEP #2 Read your first passage. Before you share your insight with your group, ask your circle to share his or her insights. Be sure to ask your partners why they feel that way. Record the new insights below. STEP #3 Finally, share your perspectives and explain why you think the passage was important, how it relates to something else in the story, or just what you noticed and thought about as you read it aloud. Adapted from Harvey Daniel’s Literature Circles

Seminar This is a large group discussion. A student reads the text aloud. The students discuss what was just read. The teacher observes and takes notes. When the students have finished, the teacher comments on key points of the discussion. The students self evaluate.

Vocabulary Drama 1. Students are presented with a list of new They are organized into groups, and each group is assigned two to three words. 4. Students are told to create and perform a 30-second skit for each word. They must depict the word’s meaning while avoiding using the word and its definition. Students perform for each other and try to guess each group’s word.

PowerPoint as a Teaching Tool The teacher uses as a visual when teaching new material. Students present material to classmates. Research is traditional in the form of a written report. Why not use PowerPoint? Be clear with your expectations.

CPS Benefits of CPS. -It provides instant feedback. -It’s a great tool for review. -Classroom participation is 100 percent. -The grading is done within seconds. -A teacher can easily modify for IEP students, especially those with slow processing. Print out the assessment and have them respond on the hardcopy.

Lexicon and Links DOLE – full 1. doleful (adj.) Sounds like… doll full

-extremely sad; depressed EXAMPLE: The doleful doll had eyes filled with tears. Draw picture here. www.GraphicOrganizers.com