What is What is Differentiated Differentiated Instruction?Instruction?

What is What is Differentiated Differentiated Instruction?Instruction?

Comparing Classrooms

adapted from: Tomlinson, 1999.

•Students and Learning•Instruction•Content and Assessment

Instruction:

• Time uses flexibly• Learning Styles a priority• Varied instructional arrangements• Teacher facilitates learning• Students’ readiness, interests, and

L.S. shape instruction

Content and Assessment• Multiple-option

assignments• Multiple texts used• Application of

essential skills/concepts

• Multiple perspectives• Assessment ongoing

and diagnostic• Multiple forms of

assessment

WHAT IS THE NATURE OF LEARNING?

Intelligence is variable

The brain strives for meaning

Optimal learning occurs with moderate challenge

Intelligence is variable

Research shows intelligence is multifaceted and not fixed.

Students need rich learning experiences to expand their intelligence.

Howard Gardner’s 8 Intelligences:

• Verbal-linguistic• Logical-mathematical• Visual-spatial• Bodily-kinesthetic• Musical-rhythmic• Interpersonal• Intrapersonal• Naturalistic

The human brain seeks meaningful

connections

New technology has shown brain researchers can literally see brain activity.

The brain learns best when meaningful patterns exist to chunk and organize information.

Student’s today are different

More children come to school and stay in school than in previous years.

Homes may or may not support the learner.

Generation of technology savvy students makes their world “bigger” with available information, but “smaller” by isolation.

Tracking and Grouping has its Limitations

Heterogeneous grouping may create too great a challenge for some students causing some students to a “shut down.”

The homogeneous classroom may also contain students of varied abilities and learning styles.

Benefits of D.I. For the Learner

• D.I. can address the diverse interests, readiness, and motivational needs of learners.

• D.I. can provide opportunity for each learner to excel.

• D.I. can address tracking and grouping issues so all students move equally towards excellence.

How Can Teachers How Can Teachers Differentiate Differentiate Instruction?Instruction?

How Can Teachers How Can Teachers Differentiate Differentiate Instruction?Instruction?

•Differentiate:– Content– Process– Product

•Based on Students’:– Interests– Readiness– Learning Styles/Multiple

Intelligences

Getting To Know Students

Obtain information about students’ interests, readiness, and learning styles in order to plan instruction.

STRATEGIES THAT SUPPORT

DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION:

Anchor ActivitiesCooperative learning groupsCurriculum compactingTiered assignmentsTic-tac-toe

…To Name A Few…

Some Final Thoughts:• Start small, but start• Imagine the possibilities• Establish clear guidelines/routines• Stay organized• Connect with support systems• Reflect

…and Revise