As shane suggests, one of the most common ways of differentiating learning is to differentiate the product. The differentiated instruction scrapbook 2010 a collection of ready to use differentiated instruction tools and templates 3. Differentiated instruction is effective instruction that is responsive to students readiness, interests and. The professor decides to do a quick assessment of the class understanding of the use of symbolism in the novel to. In a differentiated classroom, teachers recognize that all students are different and require varied teaching methods to be successful. Differentiation is the teachers responses to the learners. These definitions motivated us to create a chart that compares these terms. Diversity of learners, differentiated instruction, and e. By implication, this raises the question of what is the best way of training and retraining teachers, so as to achieve conceptual change, which will then motivate them to engage. The components of the 2016 differentiated instruction educators package. After a brief warmup exercise, and a read aloud for enjoyment, i introduce an essential component of my approach to differentiated reading instruction the teaching read aloud. In a personalized learning environment, learning starts with the learner. Differentiated instruction strategies for vocabulary. Teaching and learning strategies for differentiated.
Differentiated instruction build lessons, develop teaching materials, and vary your approach so that all students, regardless of where they are starting from, can learn content effectively, according to their needs. Differentiated learning is not a single approach, but includes a number of elements. Research on the effectiveness of differentiation shows this method benefits a wide range of students, from those with learning disabilities to those who are considered high ability. In the video creating multiple paths for learning 1997, carol ann tomlinson, noted differentiation expert, says that differentiating instruction means that the teacher anticipates the differences in students readiness, interests, and learning profiles and. Differentiation requires the teacher to vary their approaches in order to accommodate various learning styles, ability levels and interests. One solution to this challenge is to implement differentiated instruction in the classroom. It asks teachers to know their students well so they can provide each one with experiences and tasks that will improve learning. This makes the whole learning experience more effective. Jul 06, 2015 every learner comes into your elearning course with unique learning needs, skills, experience levels, and personalities. Supporting differentiated instruction with technology. Differentiation is a philosophya way of thinking about teaching and learning. Differentiating content, process, product, learning. Differentiated learning definition the glossary of.
Differentiated instruction, in contrast, represents a relatively recent response to the growing trend of including students with disabilities in general education, which demands individualizing within increasingly heterogeneous classrooms. Students can learn from each other in differentiated instruction classrooms. Definition to differentiate instruction is to recognize students varying background knowledge, readiness, language, preferences in learning, interests, and to react responsively. Carol ann tomlinson after visiting a high school biology class, i asked the teacher why she thought it was worth her effort to set up that days lab so that. Differentiated instruction may be conceptualized as a teachers response to the diverse learning needs of a student tomlinson, 1999, 2001. If your child has an iep or 504 plan, ask his general education teacher how she uses differentiated instruction to meet his needs. Maximizing the learning of all students this module discusses the importance of differentiating three aspects of instruction. Teachers could create projects for the same unit that pique the interest of different learning styles. The article begins by defining differentiated instruction and discussing its importance, including the role of differentiation with respect to. It is a road along which you travel as you develop the skills for being responsive to the different learning needs in your classroom differentiated instruction success not differentiated highly differentiated assessment learning profile tiered activities curriculum compacting learning. Today, differentiated instruction is widely practiced as a progressive approach to education that endeavors to leverage the unique learning characteristics each student brings to the classroom to deliver a more effective education than a socalled onesizefitsall approach. Giving students ownership of learning the goals of differentiation differentiated instruction helps students not only master content, but also form their own identities as learners. Broadly speaking, differentiated learning involves adapting learning, teaching and assessment to meet individual childrens needs.
And in understanding differentiation the goal of a differentiated classroom is maximum student growth and. Jul 30, 2017 differentiated instruction examples are broken down by content, process, and product. For the purposes of this paper, only research studies dealing with differentiated instruction, over the last 25 years from 1980 to 2005, were included. Available in a condensed and printable list for your desk, you can use 16 in most classes and the last four for math lessons. Instruction for students with learning disabilities. Differentiated instruction accommodates the diverse learning needs of the students by varying the methods and materials used to teach each concept. Carol ann tomlinson the differentiated classroom responding toskills, and expanded understanding. In the education world, differentiated instruction is talked a lot about as a policy or as a solution, but rarely do educators get opportunities to roll up their sleeves and talk about what it looks like in practice. The components of the 2016 differentiated instruction educators package include. Whether learning styles should play role in individualizing or differentiating instruction remains. Differentiated instruction is a process to approach teaching and learning for students of. Teachers must know the learners in the class, understanding not. All students have access to the curriculum in a variety of ways. It provides both general and specific strategies and explores supporting tools and technologies.
By setting up multiple activities, teachers provide students with the opportunity to work on the same concepts and ideas. Differentiate definition is to obtain the mathematical derivative of. He is a trained primary and secondary teacher and a. Differentiation of teaching and learning helps addressing this problem by respecting the different levels that exist in the classroom, and by responding to the needs of each learner. Differentiation is about teaching and learning styles and teachers should be using all three types of differentiation in order to have a variety of teaching approaches to accommodate the different learning styles in the classroom. Individualized instruction starts with the needs of one child. Culturally responsive differentiated instructional strategies. Lafontant, 1999, culturally responsive classrooms can create a space where harmful images can be deconstructed and positive self and cultural affirmations portrayed. Planning for differentiated instruction involves making informed decisions about.
But it doesnt require an individual approach for each student. The overarching academic goals for groups of students are the same, yet the teacher has the latitude to use whatever resources and approaches he. The teacher uses existing differentiated curriculum or adapts instruction to meet the needs of different groups of learners. As carol ann tomlinson has said, differentiation means giving students multiple options for taking in information 1999. Differentiation refers to instruction that is tailored to the learning preferences of different learners. Differentiated instruction is an approach that helps educators tailor their teaching so that all students, regardless of their ability, can learn the classroom material. What is differentiated instruction and why differentiate. Whole school approach to differentiated teaching and learning the requirements for differentiated teaching and learning are specified in the p12 curriculum, assessment and reporting framework1 with additional information provided below. Differentiated instruction, on the other hand, uses several learning approaches. Differentiated instruction 1 differentiated instruction differentiated instruction is based on the premise that, since students differ significantly in their interests, learning styles, abilities, and prior experiences, then teaching strategies, materials, and pace should vary accordingly. All students participate in respectful workwork that is challenging, meaningful, interesting, and engaging.
Even the definitions of the terms used in this discussion seem to be some. What teachers need to know about differentiated instruction gives you a concise look at developing and implementing differentiated instruction programs. Effective strategies for implementing differentiated. In a differentiated learning environment, learners are identified based upon their challenges in a specific content area and skill levels. Today more than ever, the needs of all learners 2nd edition education the differentiated classroom. A learning contract is an agreement between the teacher and student that specifies in writing the work the student will complete in a given amount of time. It can be first that of as a matter of contrastdifferences.
In other words, this style of teaching gives students the power to tailor their learning experiences in a way that best suits their unique needs. Differentiation is a set of instructional strategies. Learning styles in the age of differentiated instruction. Differentiated instruction adult education and literacy u. Differentiated instruction di is defined as the planning and delivery of classroom instruction that considers the varied levels of readiness, learning needs, and interests of each learner in the class.
This chapter contains an introduction to curriculum differentiation for students with exceptional learning abilities, descriptions and examples of 30 strategies to differentiate learning experiences for them. Differentiated learning is simply learning styles and social learning theory utilizing teacher pedagogy as the arbitrator and brainbased learning theory as the fundamental underlying outcome. I invite you to step inside my eighthgrade classroom at the beginning of my reading workshop. Differentiated instruction maximizes learning by considering students individual and cultural learning styles, recognizing that some students will require adjusted expectations, and offering different ways for students to explore curriculum and demonstrate learning as well as accepting that these different methods are of equal value. Differentiated instruction is both a philosophy and a way of teaching that respects the different learning needs of students and expects all students to experience success as learners. These include students with learning disabilities who might otherwise fall behind in a traditional classroom setting.
Apr, 2010 in the education world, differentiated instruction is talked a lot about as a policy or as a solution, but rarely do educators get opportunities to roll up their sleeves and talk about what it looks like in practice. The curriculum advocates the use of a broad range of active learning methodologies such as use of the environment, talk and discussion, collaborative work and use of ict. Dr john munro is head of studies in exceptional learning and gifted in the graduate school of education at the university of melbourne. Differentiated instruction starts with groups of children. A learning contract allows teachers to differentiate the curriculum based on the students readiness level or learning profile. Differentiated learning refers to various strategies used to instruct students with diverse learning needs in the same course or learning environment. Differentiated instruction in the inclusive classroom. Effective strategies for implementing differentiated instruction john munro university of melbourne, vic. At its most basic level, differentiation consists of the efforts of teachers to respond to variance among learners in the classroom. Whether teachers differentiate content, process, products, or the learning environment, the.
And lastly the video will finish up with what administrators will look for in a differentiated classroom. Tomlinson describes differentiated instruction as factoring students individual learning styles and levels of readiness first before designing a lesson plan. Differentiated instruction adult education and literacy. The principles of differentiated instruction lend itself to the culturally responsive pedagogical approach because it creates opportunity for a. An e learning classroom climate of collaboration includes discussion boards and opportunities to work in teams using technology tools to communicate douglasfaraci, 2010. So what i argue is that people interested in differentiated learning should not write off learning styles but should in fact be interested in differentiating quality ideas about learning styles from those low in quality. Differentiating instruction using multiple intelligences in. Our emotions and feelings, which are created by our past experiences and our reactions to current experiences, influence our selfconcept, as well as motivation to learn and ability to collaborate. While differentiation is acknowledged to be a compelling and effectual means of restructuring the traditional classroom to include students of diverse abilities. He is a trained primary and secondary teacher and a registered psychologist. This approach offers a way to include students with learning and thinking differences in the general education classroom. Personalization vs differentiation vs individualization authors. The definition of differentiation, we recall edguru carol ann tomlinsons overview of differentiation as adapting content, process, or product according to a specific students readiness, interest, and learning profile. A description of each strategy is followed by a list of behaviors that indicate it is needed.
Try the ones that best apply to you, depending on factors such as student age. Mcbride 2004 stated that differentiated instruction is vital to effecting positive change in. This modification is based on assessment of student differences in readiness, interest, and learning profile. Its adequate for a district or school leader or professional developers to tell or show teachers how to differentiate instruction effectively. Differentiated learning refers to a style of teaching that allows students to work more independently in the classroom and construct lessons based on their own learning styles. Ultimately, the exact definition of blended learning, beyond some combination of online and facetoface, may not matter. Differentiated instruction is a strategy to ensure that every student masters any given concept, no matter his or her learning style. Barbara bray and kathleen mcclaskey there is a difference between personalization and differentiation and individualization. Knowing and responding to learners a differentiated instruction educators guide 2016 is the core component of the. In the video creating multiple paths for learning 1997, carol ann tomlinson, noted differentiation expert, says that differentiating instruction means that the. Differentiation means tailoring instruction to meet individual needs. A knowledge into action resource for practitioners and.
Today more than ever, the needs of all learners 2nd edition education the differentiated classroom, 2nd ed. Whole school approach to differentiated teaching and learning. Instructors practice this approach by using a range of routines and tools to engage learners at varying levels of readiness in multiple ways and by offering them options for demonstrating. In this paper we have attempted to simplify the theory of differentiated instruction, giving inputs as to how it can be implemented both in a pure online and a blended learning mode. Differentiate definition of differentiate by merriamwebster. Thankfully, differentiated instruction can be the solution. Personalization vs differentiation vs individualization education. To help create lessons that engage and resonate with a diverse classroom, below are 20 differentiated instruction strategies and examples.
In summary, differentiated instruction can be defined as a way for teachers to focus on the student and. In elearning differentiated instruction has the same. Differentiated instruction and assessment, also known as differentiated learning or, in education, simply, differentiation, is a framework or philosophy for effective teaching that involves providing all students within their diverse classroom community of learners a range of different avenues for understanding new information often in the same classroom in terms of. For teachers and administrators, a useful definition of differentiated instruction is adapting content, process, or product according to a specific students readiness, interest, and learning profile. Learning activities may be differentiated on the basis of students readiness for learning the specific content or skill, their interests or their preferred. Diversity of learners, differentiated instruction, and elearning. Post it in your office, share it with your colleagues, or circulate it on social media to keep top of mind best practices for differentiating instruction to meet the needs of all students. Differentiated instruction and assessment, also known as differentiated learning or, in education, simply, differentiation, is a framework or philosophy for effective teaching that involves providing all students within their diverse classroom community of learners a range of different avenues for understanding new information often in the. Students can then choose which project to complete while still demonstrating mastery of the content. International association for k12 online learning 2008 2. Personalization vs differentiation vs individualization. Differentiated instruction is any instructional strategy that recognizes and supports individual differences in learning.
Differentiated definition of differentiated by the free. Differentiated teaching and learning relies on a deep understanding of the australian curriculum2. Mar 02, 2020 tomlinson describes differentiated instruction as factoring students individual learning styles and levels of readiness first before designing a lesson plan. Differentiated instruction requires use of a combination of materials gardner, 1993. Learning activities may be differentiated on the basis of students readiness for learning the specific content or skill, their interests or their preferred ways of learning. There is also evidence to support the use of a number of the elements that make up differentiated learning. Teacher workstation differentiated instruction 19 alberta education, alberta, canada. Differentiated instruction articles, books, resources. Equal education is not all students getting the same, but all students getting what they need. Differentiated instruction differentiated instruction is based on the premise that, since students differ significantly in their interests, learning styles, abilities, and prior experiences, then teaching strategies, materials, and pace should vary accordingly. Whenever a teacher reaches out to an individual or small group to vary his or her teaching in order to create the best learning experience possible, that teacher is differentiating instruction.
May 17, 2019 to change the product using differentiated instruction, giving choices for final products other than assessments would be a good option. Look at the definition of differentiationin terms of what it is and is notin this infographic to further your learning from the book. Knowing and responding to learners a differentiated instruction educators guide revised, 2016 2. Within the context of education, differentiation is a type of learning where instruction is tailored to meet the learning needs, preferences and goals of individual students. Differentiating content, process, product, learning environment. This makes it increasingly difficult to provide an individualized learning experience to each member of your audience unless you know the basics and best practices of differentiated instruction. Effective strategies for implementing differentiated instruction. Like most teachers, his class made up of about 30 students with different interests, abilities, and learning styles. Inclusive education, differentiated instruction, learning style, content, process, product, learning environment.