why differentiate?
Imagine a class where everything is taught by taking notes. The focus of the class is to memorize as much as possible so that hopefully you can pass, but your success will depend on your own notes. Fast forward to your test. There are questions that sound similar to what you've memorized, but everything is in much more abstract terms and you're expected to pass in order to advance a grade level. How do you think you would do? Probably not well.
Differentiation gives every student a chance to be successful. By addressing different learning styles and molding to student needs, I empower students to express themselves in a way that encourages deeper learning beyond memorization and comprehension. When students learn things on their terms the way that they learn best, that student is then able to make the authentic connections needed to make permanent and valuable learning possible.
Differentiation gives every student a chance to be successful. By addressing different learning styles and molding to student needs, I empower students to express themselves in a way that encourages deeper learning beyond memorization and comprehension. When students learn things on their terms the way that they learn best, that student is then able to make the authentic connections needed to make permanent and valuable learning possible.
differentiation strategies
Content
Go outside, use song for memorization, teach body movement to remember abstract concepts Process
Literatures circles with changing roles specific to student strengths, cooperative learning with movement Product
Oral presentation, video, song, student led production, sculpture, artistic representation, dance |
Brain based learning
According to Eric Jensen in Teaching with the Brain in Mind, there are seven critical components to the learning process. Without effectively using each of these components, the effectiveness of lessons can be dramatically decreased. Teaching with these components in mind ensure that all aspects of brain function are being covered. Including these factors in my classroom is essential to student success.
The best thing about being a teacher is that it matters. The hardest thing about teaching is that it matters every day. - Todd Whitaker
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7 critical factorsEngagement: Engaging lessons capture student attention and center their focus on learning
Repetition: Students need repeated exposure to content before they can truly comprehend. Repetition takes its form in pre-exposure, previewing, priming, reviewing, and revising. Input Quantity: The amount of information must be given to students in comprehensible chunks of information. Jensen suggests students can only comprehend 3-7 chunks at a time. Coherence: Relating new information to prior knowledge for meaningful, authentic learning. Timing: Knowing your students and their abilities to focus throughout the day on content. Error Correction: Providing immediate and relevant feedback to correct errors in student work. Emotional States: Be aware of student emotional states in order to make sure every student feels cared for and loved. |