Dare to Differentiate! 50 Terrific Teacher Tricks

Dare to Differentiate! 50 Terrific Teacher Tricks
Danny Brassell, Ph.D. Jeff Miller, Ph.D.

Learning Goals By the end of this presentation, we will have:
Determined what differentiated instruction means and why it is important; Discussed ways to meet standards without sacrificing student readiness, interests and learning styles; Examined 50 tricks teachers may keep in mind when differentiating instruction; and Reviewed songs, games and activities designed to stimulate student interest in school.

What Is Differentiated Instruction?

Differentiated instruction is a teaching philosophy based on the premise that teachers should adapt instruction to student differences. Rather than marching students through the curriculum lockstep, teachers should modify their instruction to meet students’ varying readiness levels, learning preferences, and interests. Therefore, the teacher proactively plans a variety of ways to ‘get at’ and express learning. Differentiated instruction is a teaching philosophy based on the premise that teachers should adapt instruction to student differences. Rather than marching students through the curriculum lockstep, teachers should modify their instruction to meet students’ varying readiness levels, learning preferences, and interests. Therefore, the teacher proactively plans a variety of ways to ‘get at’ and express learning. Carol Ann Tomlinson Carol Ann Tomlinson

Whenever a teacher reaches out to an individual or small group to vary his or her teaching in order to create the best learning experience possible, that teacher is differentiating instruction. Whenever a teacher reaches out to an individual or small group to vary his or her teaching in order to create the best learning experience possible, that teacher is differentiating instruction. - Carol Ann Tomlinson - CAROL ANN TOMLINSON

One size does not fit all

Why Is Differentiating Instruction Important?

To learn a particular concept, some children need days; some, ten minutes, but the typical lockstep school schedule ignores this fundamental fact. To learn a particular concept, “some children need days; some, ten minutes,” but the typical lockstep school schedule ignores this fundamental fact. ~Marilyn Hughes Willis, S. (November 1993). “Teaching Young Children: Educators Seek ‘Developmental Appropriateness.’” Curriculum Update, 1-8. - Marilyn Hughes

Students come to us with various grades of readiness (like gas).
“One-size-fits-all” instruction is not a good fit for many learners in an academically diverse classroom because… Students vary widely in readiness. Matching learning opportunities to readiness levels ensures that students master key skills and understandings rather than glossing over them. Students continue to progress in skills and understandings rather than repeating them. Students vary in what interests them and in their learning profiles. Matching learning opportunities to student interests increases the likelihood that a student sees school as relevant. A student finds and develops passions for learning and personal talent areas. Matching learning opportunities to learning profiles maximizes efficiency and effectiveness of learning for individuals.

Eight Principles of a Differentiated Classroom
Source: Tomlinson, C. (2000). Differentiating Instruction for Academic Diversity. San Antonio, TX: ASCD

Principle #1 The teacher is clear about what matters in the content area.
Know the standards. Adjust instruction so all students can succeed.

Principle #2 The teacher understands, appreciates and builds upon student differences.

Principle #3 Assessment and instruction are inseparable.
Let your assessments inform your instruction, though!

You’re wrong! vs. Why did you say that?
Become a teacher who asks why

Principle #4 All students participate in respectful work.

Principle #5 Students and teachers collaborate in learning.

Principle #6 The teacher adjusts content, process, and product in response to student readiness, interests, and learning styles. Like riding a high gear up a hill silly not to make an adjustment

Principle #7 Goals of a differentiated classroom are maximum growth and continued success.
Clearly!

Principle #8 Flexibility is the hallmark of a differentiated classroom.
Good teachers roll with the punches.

Environment LOW AFFECTIVE FILTER!
According to Diamond, an enriched environment for children: -Includes a steady source of positive support; -Stimulates all the senses (not all at once); -Has an atmosphere free of undue pressure and stress but suffused with a degree of pleasurable intensity; -Presents a series of novel challenges that are neither too easy nor too difficult for the child at his or her stage of development; -Allows social interaction for a significant percentage of activities; -Promotes the development of a broad range of skills and interests: mental, physical, aesthetic, social and emotional; -Gives the child an opportunity to choose many of his or her efforts and to modify them; -Provides an enjoyable atmosphere that promotes exploration and the fun of learning; -Allows the child to be an active participant rather than a passive observer. Diamond, M. (1998) Magic Trees of the Mind

Dare to Differentiate: 50 Terrific Teacher Tricks
Create a supportive environment of respect (teacher-students, students-to-students). Kids need to feel safe and appreciated

Develop a sense of community.
Dare to Differentiate: 50 Terrific Teacher Tricks Trick #2 Develop a sense of community.

Facilitate an environment where students feel safe to take risks.
Dare to Differentiate: 50 Terrific Teacher Tricks Trick #3 Facilitate an environment where students feel safe to take risks.

Promote the development of a broad range of skills and interests, incorporating all senses. e.g. great classroom libraries appeal to senses

Set-up physical classroom for student-centered instruction.
Dare to Differentiate: 50 Terrific Teacher Tricks Trick #5 Set-up physical classroom for student-centered instruction. Tables and centers, not desks and rows

Provide purposeful materials and resources.
Dare to Differentiate: 50 Terrific Teacher Tricks Trick #6 Provide purposeful materials and resources.

Have high expectations for ALL.
Dare to Differentiate: 50 Terrific Teacher Tricks Trick #7 Have high expectations for ALL.

If you refuse to accept anything but the best in life, you very often get it.
If you refuse to accept anything but the best in life, you very often get it. SOMERSET MAUGHAM Somerset Maugham

Readiness What does READINESS mean? It is the student’s entry point relative to a particular understanding or skill. C.A.Tomlinson, 1999

When a teacher tries to teach something to the entire class at the same time, chances are, one-third of the kids already know it; one-third will get it; and the remaining third won’t. So two-thirds of the children are wasting their time. When a teacher tries to teach something to the entire class at the same time, “chances are, one-third of the kids already know it; one-third will get it; and the remaining third won’t. So two-thirds of the children are wasting their time.” ~Lilian Katz Willis, S. (November 1993). “Teaching Young Children: Educators Seek ‘Developmental Appropriateness.’” Curriculum Update, 1-8 - Lilian Katz

Allow students to “show what they know” in a variety of ways.
Dare to Differentiate: 50 Terrific Teacher Tricks Trick #8 Allow students to “show what they know” in a variety of ways.

Provide students with plenty of time to explore, understand and transfer learning to long-term memory.

Permit students time to revisit ideas and concepts in order to connect or extend them. Repetition ain’t bad. Sometimes hearing an idea for the 83rd time is the charm.

Ensure lessons are developmentally appropriate.
Dare to Differentiate: 50 Terrific Teacher Tricks Trick #11 Ensure lessons are developmentally appropriate.

Tier activities to provide appropriate level of challenge.
Dare to Differentiate: 50 Terrific Teacher Tricks Trick #12 Tier activities to provide appropriate level of challenge.

Compact curriculum to provide enrichment and challenge.
Dare to Differentiate: 50 Terrific Teacher Tricks Trick #13 Compact curriculum to provide enrichment and challenge.

Interest What does INTEREST mean?
Discovering interest is important; Creating interest is even more important. Inventing Better Schools, Schlechty

- Carol Ann Tomlinson (2001)
If a student has a spark (or better still, a fire), a curiosity about a topic, learning is more likely for that student. - Carol Ann Tomlinson (2001)

Learners behind bars

If there is anything we wish to change in the child, we should first examine it and see whether it is not something that could better be changed in ourselves. - Carl Jung

Incorporate creativity.
Dare to Differentiate: 50 Terrific Teacher Tricks Trick #14 Incorporate creativity. E.g. Brain teasers, riddles If H2O is water, what is H2O4?

Provide students real choices in what they learn, how they learn and how they demonstrate learning (flexible and varied). It takes time to become a good teacher (for most) Offer 6-8 ways for students to show mastery

Offer real-world challenges that are directly connected to the students’ lives. Math: MONEY Social studies: getting along Science: fixing things Language arts: reading!

Offer novel, unique and engaging activities to capture and sustain students’ attention. Dress funny Use different voices Create cool products

Use multi-media/technology.
Dare to Differentiate: 50 Terrific Teacher Tricks Trick #18 Use multi-media/technology. Computers/friend

Learning Profile

The biggest mistake of past centuries in teaching has been to treat all children as if they were variants of the same individual and thus to feel justified in teaching them all the same subjects in the same way. The biggest mistake of past centuries in teaching has been to treat all children as if they were variants of the same individual and thus to feel justified in teaching them all the same subjects in the same way. ~Howard Gardner - Howard Gardner

Focus on students’ learning styles.
Dare to Differentiate: 50 Terrific Teacher Tricks Trick #19 Focus on students’ learning styles.

It’s not how smart you are. It’s how you are smart.

Sternberg’s Three Intelligences
Creative Analytical Practical We all have some of each of these intelligences, but are usually stronger in one or two areas than in others. We should strive to use all three…but also recognize where students’ strengths lie and teach through those intelligences as often as possible, particularly when introducing new ideas.

Emphasize brain-compatible instruction.
Dare to Differentiate: 50 Terrific Teacher Tricks Trick #20 Emphasize brain-compatible instruction. Humor, music, movement

Draw Mind Maps instead of taking linear notes (GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS).
An adaptation of the Mind Mapping principle originated by Tony Buzan, and drawn here by Nancy Margulies, of St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A. In the accompanying text, Nancy Margulies also recommends setting aside 30-minute periods of uninterrupted time to practice Mind Mapping-and her ilustration summarizes that reminder. Taken from Mapping InnerSpace, by Nancy Margulies, published by Zephyr Press, P.O. Box C, Tucson, Arizona , and reprinted with permission. A videotape is also available.

Recognize and honor cultural diversity.
Dare to Differentiate: 50 Terrific Teacher Tricks Trick #21 Recognize and honor cultural diversity.

Emphasize student strengths and develop ways to compensate for weaknesses so they do not inhibit what student can do. Every child an expert

Permit positive movement.
Dare to Differentiate: 50 Terrific Teacher Tricks Trick #23 Permit positive movement.

Content WHAT students learn

Instruction begins where the students are, not at the front of the curriculum guide.
- CAROL ANN TOMLINSON

to Differentiate Content
Ways to Differentiate Content Reading Partners / Reading Buddies * Choral Reading/Antiphonal Reading Flip Books Split Journals (Double Entry – Triple Entry) Books on Tape Highlights on Tape Digests/ “Cliff Notes” Notetaking Organizers Varied Texts Varied Supplementary Materials Highlighted Texts Think-Pair-Share/Preview-Midview-Postview WHAT students learn Comprehensible input Tomlinson – ‘00 * Read/Summarize Read/Question/Answer Visual Organizer/Summarizer Parallel Reading with Teacher Prompt

Present the curriculum through interdisciplinary “big ideas” versus disconnected small facts.

GORDON DRYDEN, The Learning Revolution
Remember jigsaw puzzles: they’re much easier when you can see the whole picture first. Like chess (consider all options) Steve Jobs design class at Reid GORDON DRYDEN, The Learning Revolution

Plan before, during and after instruction.
Dare to Differentiate: 50 Terrific Teacher Tricks Trick #25 Plan before, during and after instruction.

Negotiate contracts to provide appropriate learning activities for students. Written Agreements between teacher and students

Motivation and productivity skyrocket when students reach their goals.
Nothing motivates like success Motivation and productivity skyrocket when students reach their goals. BETTIE B. YOUNGS. The 6 Vital Ingredients of Self-Esteem - How To Develop Them In Your Students. Published by Jalmar Press, Suite 702, S. Main Street, Carson, CA 90745, USA. BETTIE B. YOUNGS, The 6 Vital Ingredients of Self-Esteem: How to Develop Them in Students

Challenge students (i + 1).
Dare to Differentiate: 50 Terrific Teacher Tricks Trick #27 Challenge students (i + 1). ZPD

Create centers.

Co-develop standards with students.
Dare to Differentiate: 50 Terrific Teacher Tricks Trick #29 Co-develop standards with students. Make your objectives understandable to students

Clearly state expectations (be specific about requirements).
Dare to Differentiate: 50 Terrific Teacher Tricks Trick #30 Clearly state expectations (be specific about requirements). Rubrics (when it is due, what is expected)

Empower learners! Encourage students to help set and enforce norms.
Dare to Differentiate: 50 Terrific Teacher Tricks Trick #31 Empower learners! Encourage students to help set and enforce norms. The more you get your students running your class, The better

Process HOW students go about making sense of the WHAT
Present activities that are interesting to the student Provide opportunities for students to think at a higher level Cause students to use key skills to understand key ideas Strategies include: Cubing Learning logs or journals Graphic organizers Centers or interest groups Role playing Choice boards Jigsaw Think-pair-share PMI Model-making Labs Tiered activities

Learning is most effective when it’s fun.
PETER KLINE, The Everyday Genius

I never worked a day in my life. It was all fun.
Thomas Edison. Thomas Edison

ROBERT C. SCHANK, Engines for Learning
To learn it, do it! ROBERT C. SCHANK, Engines for Learning

TO DIFFERENTIATE PROCESS
WAYS TO DIFFERENTIATE PROCESS Fun & Games RAFTs Cubing, Think Dots Choices (Intelligences) Centers Tiered lessons Contracts HOW students go about making sense of the WHAT

Utilize active, hands-on learning.
Dare to Differentiate: 50 Terrific Teacher Tricks Trick #32 Utilize active, hands-on learning.

GORDON STOKES, The Learning Revolution
80 percent of learning difficulties are related to stress. Remove the stress, and you remove the difficulties. 80 percent of learning difficulties are related to stress. Remove the stress and you remove the difficulties. GORDON STOKES. President, Three in One Concepts. This quotation is a major theme of the book One Brain: Dyslexic Learning Correction and Brain Integration, published by Three In One Concepts, 2001 W. Magnolia Blvd., Suite B., Burbank, CA It is highly recommended as a guide to specialized kinesiology. GORDON STOKES, The Learning Revolution

PETER KLINE, The Everyday Genius
Children learn best when they are helped to discover the underlying principles for themselves. Children learn best when they are helped to discover the underlying principles for themselves. PETER KLINE. The Everyday Genius. Published by Great Ocean Publishers Inc, 1823 North Lincoln Street, Arlington, VA PETER KLINE, The Everyday Genius

Allow students to work collaboratively and independently (flexible grouping). Change pace Vary groups

Make use of higher level thinking and questioning strategies.
Dare to Differentiate: 50 Terrific Teacher Tricks Trick #34 Make use of higher level thinking and questioning strategies.

If the questions are simple so is the thinking.

Bloom’s Taxonomy

Offer students plenty of time for reflection and goal setting.
Dare to Differentiate: 50 Terrific Teacher Tricks Trick #35 Offer students plenty of time for reflection and goal setting.

Vary strategies. Trick #36
Dare to Differentiate: 50 Terrific Teacher Tricks Trick #36 Vary strategies.

Consider integrated curriculum, problem-based learning and service learning.

Balance teacher-chosen and teacher-directed activities with student-chosen and student-directed activities.

The art of teaching is developing into the art of teaching children to teach themselves.
HELENA H. WALLENBERG and MICHAEL S. BOGOLEA The Welfare Rennaissance: The New Swedish Model - HELENA H. WALLENBERG and MICHAEL S. BOGOLEA The Welfare Rennaissance: The New Swedish Model

Children’s work IS their play. Children learn from everything they do.
CAROLYN HOOPER. New Zealand Playcenter Movement. Interviewed by Gordon Dryden in Where To Now? television series, reprinted in Pacific Network, February, Playcenter is a parents' cooperative movement in New Zealand that for over 50 years has been a world pioneer in combining parent education with early childhood development. CAROLYN HOOPER, New Zealand Playcenter Movement

Help students understand group’s shared needs for success, to belong, to trust, the future, etc. We need to learn how to work together; you’re not going to like everybody you work with

Monitor student progress constantly.
Dare to Differentiate: 50 Terrific Teacher Tricks Trick #40 Monitor student progress constantly.

Aim high; scaffold weaknesses.
Dare to Differentiate: 50 Terrific Teacher Tricks Trick #41 Aim high; scaffold weaknesses. Henry Ford: Whether you believe you can do a thing or cannot, you are right.

Teach for meaning; not rote.
Dare to Differentiate: 50 Terrific Teacher Tricks Trick #42 Teach for meaning; not rote. We remember meaningful experiences

Be flexible (with time, space, materials and groupings).
Dare to Differentiate: 50 Terrific Teacher Tricks Trick #43 Be flexible (with time, space, materials and groupings). Stuff happens

Teach strategies explicitly so student has “easy way out” of tough spots.

Collaborate with parents, resource specialists, etc. It takes a village!

Product Book List Calendar Coloring Book Game Research Project TV Show
HOW students demonstrate the WHAT Possible products: Map Diagram Sculpture Discussion Demonstration Poem Profile Chart Play Dance Campaign Cassette Quiz Show Banner Brochure Debate Flow Chart Puppet Show Tour Lecture Editorial Painting Costume Placement Blueprint Catalogue Dialogue Newspaper Scrapbook Questionnaire Flag Graph Museum Learning Center Advertisement Book List Calendar Coloring Book Game Research Project TV Show Song Dictionary Film Collection Trial Machine Book Mural Award Recipe Test Puzzle Model Timeline Toy Article Diary Poster Magazine Computer Program Photographs Terrarium Petition Drive Teaching Lesson Prototype Speech Club Cartoon Biography Review Invention

If there were only one truth, you couldn’t paint a hundred canvases on the same theme.
- Pablo Picasso

All children are born geniuses, and we spend the first six years of their lives degeniusing them.
BUCKMINSTER FULLER

to Differentiate Product
Ways to Differentiate Product Choices based on readiness, interest, and learning profile Clear expectations Timelines Agreements Product Guides Rubrics Evaluation HOW students demonstrate the WHAT Creating Product Assignments: What students must know, understand, be able to do as a result of the study. Identify the format of the project. Determine expectations for quality (content, process, product). Decide on scaffolding (brainstorming, rubrics, time lines, planning/goal setting, storyboarding, critiquing, revising/grading). Differentiate based on readiness, student interest, student learning profile.

Provide opportunities for projects, creativity, problems and challenges.

Focus on student growth.
Dare to Differentiate: 50 Terrific Teacher Tricks Trick #47 Focus on student growth.

Initiate student-maintained portfolios and assessments with varied and original products.

THINKING ABOUT ON-GOING ASSESSMENT
STUDENT DATA SOURCES Journal entry Short answer test Open response test Home learning Notebook Oral response Portfolio entry Exhibition Culminating product Question writing Problem solving TEACHER DATA MECHANISMS Anecdotal records Observation by checklist Skills checklist Class discussion Small group interaction Teacher – student conference Assessment stations Exit cards Problem posing Performance tasks and rubrics

Differentiated Report Cards
On report cards, I need to find a way to show individual growth and relative standing to students and parents A = Excellent Growth B = Very Good Growth C = Some Growth D = Little Growth F = No Observable Growth 1=The student is Above Grade Level 2=The student is Working At Grade Level 3=The student is Working Below Grade Level Tomlinson, 2001

Support students in creating products for real events/audience through public displays and performances.

Emphasize quality of thought and expression vs. accuracy.
Dare to Differentiate: 50 Terrific Teacher Tricks Trick #50 Emphasize quality of thought and expression vs. accuracy.

Review In this presentation, we:
Determined what differentiated instruction means and why it is important; Discussed ways to meet standards without sacrificing student readiness, interests and learning styles; Examined 50 tricks teachers may keep in mind when differentiating instruction; and Reviewed songs, games and activities designed to stimulate student interest in school.

The real art of discovery
consists not in finding new lands, but in seeing with new eyes. - Marcel Proust

Dare to Differentiate! 50 Terrific Teacher Tricks

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