Differentiation
~
...... means tailoring instruction to meet individual needs. Whether teachers differentiate content, process, products, or the learning environment, the use of ongoing assessment and flexible grouping makes this a successful approach to instruction.
~Carol Tomlinson
4 Elements
Content
All students learn the same content, the complexity students will engage in the content is adjusted based on their readiness, interests and learning styles.
Process
Activities students will engage in to master the content based on their preferred method of learning/ multiple intelligences.
*Some students may learn the parts of the cell by completing exercises on a worksheet, while others may learn by exploring a physical model of a cell or others by creating their own model.
Product
You offer students choice for how they will demonstrate mastery of the content, not change your criteria for what is mastery.
- written test
- oral response
- video
- project
offer choice within each of these areas if possible
Environment
You provide students with a variety of settings in which to learn.
- small groups
- individually
- partners
- field trip
- literacy lounge