1. Differentiated Instruction
Power Workshop
Oct 5, 2017
Jessica Trussell, Ph. D.
MSSE Department

2. What is differentiated instruction?
a way of teaching
a mind-set that all students learn differently
providing appropriate levels of instruction and challenges for each student – rather than “teaching to middle”
maintains the same learning goals and reasonable expectations for demonstrating mastery for all of the students

3. Some of you are doing this now!!
Cons
Pros
Effective for a variety of students
Increased engagement
Students become responsible
Learning to implement
Planning time
Some of you are doing this now!!

4. Why we are in a unique position?
class sizes are typically quite large
the number of contact hours with students is minimal
(Ernst & Ernst, 2005).

5. Ways to differentiate Content Process Product Learning Environment
What they need to learn or how they will access information
Process
Instruction or activities the students engage in to master the content
Product
How the student shows what they have learned
Learning Environment
How the classroom works or feels

6. Content Materials at varying levels Adding videos
Using vocabulary lists at their readiness/instructional level
Presenting information in visual and verbal form
Study teams or pairs
Meet with small groups to re-teach or extend a concept
Learning contracts

7. Process Tiered activities Interest activities
with different levels of support, challenge, or complexity
same important understandings and skills
Interest activities
students to explore subsets of the class topic of particular interest
Developing personal agendas
task lists written by the teacher - in-common work for the whole class and work that addresses individuals

8. Product
Using rubrics that match and extend students' varied skills levels
Allowing students to work alone or in small groups on their products
Encouraging students to create their own product as long as the assignments contain required elements.
Video
Essay
Play script

9. Learning Environment
Using materials that reflect a variety of cultures
Setting out clear guidelines for independent work that matches individual needs
Developing routines
Helping students understand that some learners need to move around to learn, while others do better sitting quietly (Tomlinson, 1995, 1999; Winebrenner, 1992, 1996)

10. Motivation and Interest
Collect learner profiles.

11. Example- Lab Reports Tiered assignments
Typical report with no supports.
Report with guiding questions in the required sections.
Report with sentence frames to allow students to focus on the content instead of the language.
The purpose of this test is to _____________ and _________ to propose a course of action for the future.
Process
Write the lab with your students (co-construct).
Allow peers to work together to write reports.
Google Drive
Institute peer feedback prior to the instructor grading the assignment.

12. “Menus” Journalism Class Complete all items to earn a C grade.
1 newspaper story that includes a photograph, graphic, or video clip
Your newspaper story converted into a broadcast story
2 PhotoShops, either a continuance of tutorials or original projects
4 journals (equal to ½ typed page)
Participation in the production of all news videos
Choose at least two of the following assignments to earn a B grade. If you wish to earn an A grade, you must complete five of the following assignments.
Additional PhotoShop
Additional newspaper story
Additional broadcast story
Editorial
Editorial cartoon
Advertisement design
Photograph/graphic
Complete one for an A+ grade.
Video tape an event
PowerPoint (either stand alone or to be used in a video)
Redesign of a newspaper masthead
Sell advertisements
Lay out two newspaper pages
Write a script
Create a personal video production

13. Example- Math Pythagorean Formula Tiers:
Apply the formula to simple triangles.
Devise a real-life application of the formula and apply it.
Identify applications of the formula that are really used in the world of work.
From “On Target: Strategies that Differentiate Instruction.

14. Reading Passages Adult level reading 7th grade level reading
3rd grade level reading

15. Think about one lesson or assignment you can differentiate.
How would you do it?
Who might help you?
What do you think the benefits would be?
Anyone want to share….

16. Questions? Feel free to contact me later.
Google Drive Folder with more resources and the presentation.