“The ideal learning setting for learners of varied profiles”

What is Differentiated Instruction? Differentiated instruction, or learning, is an approach to planning so that one lesson is taught to the entire class while meeting the individual needs of each child.

Foundation for Differentiated Instruction  Encourages inclusion of all students  Addresses different learning styles  Allows teacher to reach all of the students some of the time  Allows for diversity among students  Fosters social relations and self- worth  Meets social, emotional, and academic needs

Within each lesson of Differentiated Instruction you will find: A definite aim for all students A variety of teacher techniques aimed at reaching students at all levels Consideration of student learning styles in presentation of lesson Involvement of all students in the lesson through the use of Bloom’s Taxonomy Choice in the method students will use to demonstrate their understanding of the concepts Student evaluations based on their individual differences

Suggestions for teacher presentation :  Use hand signals/signs  Use variety of levels of materials  Repeat instructions  Stand close to students  Speak clearly, facing students  Modify tone of voice  Modify pace  Write instructions out on board  Ask student to repeat instructions  Demonstrate, act out instructions  Complete first example with student  Always put instructions in same place  Use pictures  Use different colored chalk/pens  Highlight key points in text  Team teaching  Photocopy information

VisualAuditoryOthers bulletin boardsradiotaste bannerstapessmell postersrecordstouch: texture television touch: temp slideslecturesmovement filmstripsdebates flashcardsdiscussions transparenciesinterviews graffiticoncerts Multi-sensory information delivery:

How to Differentiate Instruction Step 1  Know Your Students Determine the ability level of your students. - This can be done by surveying past records of student performance to determine capabilities, prior learning, past experiences with learning, etc. Survey student interests. -It is also important to get to know your students informally. This can be done by an inventory, an interview/conference, or asking students to respond to an open-ended questionnaire with key questions about their learning preferences. Is behavior management a problem? -This is key when planning for activities that require less structure. It is also important to determine learning styles and preferences for students who may have trouble controlling their behaviors.

Step 2- Have a Repertoire of Teaching Strategies  Because “one size does not fit all,” it is imperative that a variety of teaching strategies be used in a differentiated classroom. Four of the most popular teaching strategies include: Direct Instruction-most widely used; most traditional; used to cover a great amount of material; teacher centered; provides constant interaction between students and the teacher. Inquiry-based Learning-very popular today; based on scientific method;develops critical thinking skills;student centered;students conduct investigations independently Cooperative Learning-based on grouping small team of students heterogeneously; students grow intellectually through active learning, as well as socially Information Processing Strategies-Students are actively processing, storing and retrieving information. Teaching involves helping learners to develop information processing skills and apply them systematically to mastering the curriculum.

Step 3- Identify a Variety of Instructional Activities Engaging students in the learning process using activities that motivate and challenge students to remain on task is probably one of the most frustrating events in the teaching learning process. But if you know your students' profiles, you have a better chance at keeping them on task to completion of any given assignment or activity. In a differentiated classroom, activities are suited to the needs of students according to the mixed ability levels, interests, backgrounds, etc. Some ideas for activities include: Questioning Techniques Ice Breakers Seating Arrangements Parents Conferences

Step 4- Identify Ways to Assess or Evaluate Student Progress Once again, the “one size fits all” concept becomes a problem. Varying the means of student assessment is necessary if students are to be given every opportunity to demonstrate authentic learning. A variety of assessment techniques can include:  portfolios  rubrics  performance-based assessment  knowledge mapping

Benefits of Differentiated Learning *Teachers report a variety of benefits they have seen after shifting from the traditional "one- size-fits-all" approach to a differentiated one.  Successful learning occurs for students who have previously gone underchallenged or overchallenged.  It makes teachers feel more like creative professionals. It gives them the opportunity to expand the individual lessons of class.  It works for both kids who had done well previously and those had struggled. The kids who had never been able to do well now understood, and the kids who had done well suddenly found interest in some new things.  Children seem to really thrive on challenge. If you allow them that opportunity to really challenge and extend themselves, many times they'll want to do things that are harder than anything you would have ever thought of.