What Is differentiated instruction?Differentiated instruction, also called differentiation, is a process through which teachers enhance learning by matching student characteristics to instruction and assessment. Differentiated instruction allows all students to access the same classroom curriculum by providing entry points, learning tasks, and outcomes that are tailored to students' needs (Hall, Strangman, & Meyer, 2003). Differentiated instruction is not a single strategy, but rather an approach to instruction that incorporates a variety of strategies. Show
Teachers can differentiate content, process, and/or product for students (Tomlinson, 1999). Differentiation of content refers to a change in the material being learned by a student. For example, if the classroom objective is for all students to subtract using renaming, some of the students may learn to subtract two-digit numbers, while others may learn to subtract larger numbers in the context of word problems. Differentiation of process refers to the way in which a student accesses material. One student may explore a learning center, while another student collects information from the web. Differentiation of product refers to the way in which a student shows what he or she has learned. For example, to demonstrate understanding of a geometric concept, one student may solve a problem set, while another builds a model. When teachers differentiate, they do so in response to a student's readiness, interest, and/or learning profile. Readiness refers to the skill level and background knowledge of the child. Interest refers to topics that the student may want to explore or that will motivate the student. This can include interests relevant to the content area as well as outside interests of the student. Finally, a student's learning profile includes learning style (i.e., a visual, auditory, tactile, or kinesthetic learner), grouping preferences (i.e., individual, small group, or large group), and environmental preferences (i.e., lots of space or a quiet area to work). A teacher may differentiate based on any one of these factors or any combination of factors (Tomlinson, 1999). How is it implemented?Implementation looks different for each student and each assignment. Before beginning instruction, teachers should do three things:
Teachers incorporate different instructional strategies based on the assessed needs of their students. Throughout a unit of study, teachers should assess students on a regular basis. This assessment can be formal, but is often informal and can include taking anecdotal notes on student progress, examining students' work, and asking the student questions about his or her understanding of the topic. The results of the assessment could then be used to drive further instruction. What does it look like for reading?Differentiation strategies applied to reading can be designed to help students learn a range of skills including, phonics, comprehension, fluency, word prediction, and story prediction. The chart below offers a variety of strategies that can be used.
* More information about grouping strategies can be found in Strategies to Improve Access to the General Education Curriculum. Available at http://www.k8accesscenter.org/training_resources/curricular_materials.asp What is differentiated instruction in reading?What Is differentiated instruction? Differentiated instruction, also called differentiation, is a process through which teachers enhance learning by matching student characteristics to instruction and assessment.
How can a teacher differentiated instruction during a book reading?Methods of Differentiation for Teaching Reading. Let your students pick their own reading material. ... . Set up multiple reading centers in your room that focus on different literacy skills. ... . Match the level to the student. ... . Read aloud in class. ... . Use multiple levels of the same text when possible (and if necessary).. What are the key elements of differentiated reading instruction?Differentiated instruction is based on modification of four elements: content, process,. product, and affect/learning environment. This modification is guided by the.. teacher‟s understanding of student needs—the students‟ readiness, interests, and.. learning profile.. What are 5 ways to differentiate instruction?Here are five ways you can differentiate instruction in your classroom.. Include Every Learning Style. ... . Offer Assignment Options. ... . Establish Learning Stations. ... . Plan Tiered Lessons. ... . Organize Students in Groups.. |