The website listed a chart with many different differentiation techniques and how to use them in a science lesson. The chart is nice because it gives you the generic idea of the differentiation method so you can also use them in other subjects besides science. Some of the main methods I really liked were:
Tiered assignments: This is when you create assignments that will have the same curriculum content and measure the same objectives, however as a teacher you adjust the process and product of the assignment based on the students level. I have actually seen this being used in my Clinical placements. The students are learning about electricity and their end of the unit assessment is to "wire a house" (actually a shoebox). The students were assigned to partners, and the higher ability partners are wiring "houses" with two or three rooms and two or three circuits, while the students of lower abilities are only wiring one room with one circuit.
Compacting: This is when a teacher adjusts instruction based on each students prior knowledge. The teacher should asses what each student knows about the topic, asses what they need to learn next, and come up with extra enriching activities for the students who will finish the required material first. This allows for some students to skip ahead the things they may already know, so they are given a chance to reach accelerated learning activities.
Choice Boards: Using choice boards in a classroom is when a teacher sets up a board with a bunch of different activities (usually geared toward different learning types) to learn about a specific topic in science. Some activities are more advanced, and some are more simple, however all activities will teach the same content and objectives. Students are then allowed to pick the two activities they would like to complete.
There were many different ideas listed on the website. Here is the link if you would like to check out the rest of them!
http://www.k8accesscenter.org/training_resources/sciencedifferentation.asp
Differentiation is a big topic in education these days. Teachers are expected to adapt each lesson for students who are struggling, and those who are labeled as gifted. I actually just learned about most of these methods in one of the classes I am taking. By using these ideas, I think teachers can make differentiation more manageable. It is unrealistic to try to plan 24 different lesson plans so instead you plan one and then adjust it up and down for ability. This makes differentiation less time consuming for teachers. It is important to make adjustments to your lessons so all students can be successful.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a HUGE topic/issue (however you want to look at it) in teaching today. I think it is great that this is what you're taking the time to look into. Often times teachers leave out the kids on both ends of the spectrum and only focus on where kids "should be" at. I also just looked into all these types of differentiation in one of my Methods classes. Thanks for the additional resources.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the resource! Just an interesting thought to ponder that I myself have had to ponder that last few weeks as well . . . do people actually have learning styles or just preferences? Our Professor made the point in class a few weeks ago that we all essentially learn the same. Although people's brains are different, we have to assume that all brains also work very similarly, much like other parts of nature.
ReplyDeleteThrough constructivist theory we know that people's previous background knowledge and experiences influences what people will learn and what their schema will modify and/or reject. Additionally, developmental learning theory tells us that some concepts are best taught through certain modalities and that starting with concrete experiences is also best before starting with abstract learning experiences.
If we think about how constructivist theory and developmental learning theory work together, we most importantly need to think about whether or not our modality for teaching the certain topic fits with what is conceptually and developmentally appropriate.
I'm still struggling with this concept, so don't worry if it doesn't make sense right away. I'm still thinking about it : )
Kelsey
Differentiation is so important for future educators that it is vital we have resources to turn to. The resources you provided are great ways to differentiation instruction. The one I really enjoyed was the choice board. Children love feeling like they are in charge of projects and assignments that are due and the choice board is a great way to give opportunities to children.
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