Differentiated Instruction

What is Differentiation? Differentiation means creating multiple paths so that students of different readiness levels, interests, or learning profiles experience equally appropriate ways to absorb, use, develop, and present concepts as part of the daily learning process.

Anchor Activities Specified ongoing activities on which students work independently Ongoing assignments that students can work on throughout a unit

Tiered Instruction A means of teaching one concept and meeting the different learning needs in a group

Learning Centers A small area within the classroom where students work alone or interact with others, using instructional materials to explore one or more subject areas

Personal Agendas Personalized lists of tasks that a student must complete in a specified time, usually two to three weeks

Compacted Curriculum Encourages teachers to assess students before beginning a unit of study or development of a skill Students who do well on the pre-assessment do not continue work on what they already know.

Flexible Grouping Various grouping patterns used in appropriate situations to facilitate optimum learning Examples – whole class, large groups, small groups, triads, pairs, individual, and/or ability grouping

Internet-Based Investigation    Provides opportunities for students to explore topics of personal interest while supporting their research skills

Learning Contract A written agreement between a teacher and a student that will result in students working independently The contract helps students to set daily and weekly work goals and develop management skills.

Graphic Organizers Visual representations of knowledge, concepts or ideas Examples – KWL Chart, Venn Diagram, T-Chart, Flow Chart, Story Map

Exit Cards (Ticket Out the Door) Summarize in one clear sentence the main idea of a specific learning experience

The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires. William Arthur Ward

Questions??? Questions & Answers For further assistance, please contact a member of your LoTi Team. Dianna Buchannan, Rhonda Bourland, Valerie Steele, John Hineman, Joe LeBouff, Lisa Tieken, Leslie Thomas, and Carole Aktines