differentiation: maximum student success
TRANSCRIPT
Differentiation:Maximum Student Success
Dale Branch & Lisa Owens
Differentiation defined:
o Differentiation of Instruction is a teacher’s response to a learner’s needs.
o Differentiation is ‘not something extra, but rather the hallmark of teacher quality.’ (Tomlinson, p.55)
o Teachers can differentiate content, process, and product.
Why Differentiation??????????Differentiation suggests that even
though the state sets standards for all learners, the teacher’s role is to
determine the learning sequence, pace, and degrees of complexity necessary to ensure that each learner truly achieves
meaningful standards rather than simply “covering” them. Tomlinson 36
The area where a child cannot function withoutadult support is that child’s “zone of proximal development.” In this range---new learning takes place.
Tomlinson 19
New programs bring frustration
I've Done It All!!!
Something Else to Do~
How to Differentiate for Academics and Behavior
Get to know your students. academic level including pre-tests
and benchmark scores, learning challenges and accommodation plans (504, IEPs, PEPs) learning styles family situation (problems???)
Differentiation for Academics
o Identify activities students enjoy.o Observe what works well for each student;
adapt to what is best for them.o Access all areas of learning so you can
incorporate differentiated teaching strategies.
Differentiated Instruction: Use common
differentiation strategies within teams
Use 12 powerful words—common language
Tiered assignments
Cooperative Learning Groups
Teaming Use common strategies within teams
Use the same strategies for differentiating assignments
Incorporate the common definitions and terminology--At my school we use Larry Bell’s 12 powerful words! http://www.fentress.k12tn.net/LarryBellStrategies/12powerfulwords.pdf
Common Vocabulary:12 Powerful Words
Trace Analyze Infer Evaluate Formulate Describe
Support Explain Summarize Compare Contrast Predict
Tiered Assignments Tiered or Scaffold Lessons:
Students become responsible for their own learning
Assignments can be written based on student ability
Modified assignments/modified grading are addressed
Cooperative Learning
Group Dynamics is important
Groups need guidelines Teachers should be
active participants All assignments and
tasks don’t lend themselves to cooperative learning group work
Additional Ways to DifferentiateLow Preparation Differentiation High Preparation Differentiation
ENRICHMENT ACCELERATIONChoice of Books Exploration of Interests
Homework Options Tiered Products
Use of Reading Buddies Independent Study
Various Journal Prompts Multiple Texts
Varied Pacing with anchor Prompts Multiple Testing Options
Student/Teacher Goal Setting Alternative Assessments
Work Alone or Together (student choice) Varying Organizers (Graphic Organizers)
Flexible Seating Community Mentorships
Varied Computer Programming Group Investigations
Varied Supplemental Materials Simulations
Options of Varied Modes of Expression Interest Centers
Varied Scaffolding Task Cards
Flexible Learning Groups by Readiness, Interest, Learning Profile Open Ended Activities
Tiered Assignments
Preferential Seating Peer Coach “Safe Place” Validate Feelings Visual Cues/Divert Attention Physical Escape Behavioral Contracts Parental Involvement (conferences and calls)
Calming manipulatives Remove nuisance items Proximity control Hand gestures Check in/Check out Self management (ultimate goal) Remember to pick your battles
School wide Activity
Share ideas with other teachers. The best ideas are ‘borrowed’ from successful teachers.
Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance.
Make differentiation a team activity.
Will you teach or educate?
How will you change the World?
Be the Difference Somebody Needs You!!!
You want a miracle? BE THE MIRACLE!!
Facts do not cease to exist simply because they are ignored.
Three steps to Meet High Expectations: Communicate expectations Provide opportunities to work toward goals
and expectations Celebrate achievements
Words of Wisdom*taken from many sources
Teach them as if they were your own children.
Teach to the test, and you will win some and lose some. You teach a child---You and the child win every time.
Your expectations of students will influence their achievement in your class.
What is done to a child, they will do to society.
Words of Wisdom*Taken from many sources
Who teaches a child? ALL of US---The TEAM within the school includes the teachers, administrators, bus drivers, janitors, cafeteria staff, coaches, media specialists, secretaries, counselors, etc.
Make yourself the first project. Our most powerful influence is the way we treat others in
front of children. We teach CHILDREN….and they are all “at-risk.” If we respect people for who they are, then we can help
them become better than they were.