Foundations and Implications
of a Differentiated Classroom
By: Shuranda Johnson
EDU 673 Instructional Strategies. for Differentiated Teaching & Learning
Instructor: Alan Belcher
September 8, 2015
Define Differentiation and Justify Your Definition
Differentiation in teaching is the process when the differences among learners are accommodated so that each student has an opportunity to learn. Differentiation is important because it allows each student to be taught in the manner in which they learn. This is important because each of us have or own way of learning and our own interests. If we take this element of learning into consideration, it is a must that teachers learn to adapt and accommodate each learner to ensure their educational needs are being met.
Creating A Safe and Secure Learning Environment
It is extremely important to create an environment where students not only feel comfortable but one that is inducive to learning. We can do this in various ways
- Creating quality curriculum-most states utilize common core standards that set a high standards for what students are expected to learn
- Respectful tasks- assign meaningful work to engage each student in various areas of interests.This will assists with meeting each student in their own areas of interests.
- Teaching Up- I want to challenge each student to think differently. I want to challenge each to learn something to new. It is important to teach each encourage each student to reach above what they already know.
- Flexible grouping-I will incorporate group learning and instruction into the curriculum because it allows for students to be taught in various ways.
Meeting Social and Emotional Needs of Students
Much of school success weighs heavily on a student's well being or mental/emotional well being in school. Being connected to school and teachers is also a determining factor in school success (Sulkowski, et al, 2012). It is important for teachers to be aware of how students react in class, how they behave in class, and how they react to other students and teachers. This teachers with ensuring that their students remain in sync with their academics and emotional well being.
How Will Students Succeed
Students will succeed by incorporating team goals to assist students with meeting individual goals. (Fortugno et. al 2013). Group work with a mix of individual learning as been proven to be successful with academics. In group work, each student is assigned different tasks and titles. This allows students to participate in their own learning. During presentations, students are allowed to actually teach or explain what they know to the rest of the class. This is in line with common core standards to allow to incorporate students into the education process (Puckett, 2013). This allows students to be participate in their learning which has proven to be successful in student success in the past (Fortugno, et al, 2013).
Assessing Student Learning
In line with common core standards, assessments would occur. Instead of assessing what student's know at an end of the year exam. Assessments would occur three times throughout the year. Once at the beginning of the year, at the mid year point, and again at at the end of the year. This will be done as not to overwhelm the student's with too much knowledge and information.
References
Puckett, K (2013). Differentiating Instruction: A Practical Guide. Bridgepoint Education: San
Diego, CA.
Sulkowski, M. L., Demary, M. K., & Lazarus, P. J. (2012). Connecting Students to Schools to
Support Their Emotional Well-Being and Academic Success. Communique, 40(7), 1,.
Fortugno, M., Chandra, S., Espin, S., & Gucciardi, E. (2013). Fostering successful
interprofessional teamwork through an undergraduate student placement in a
secondary school. Journal Of Interprofessional Care, 27(4), 326-332.
doi:10.3109/13561820.2012.759912