What does it mean to differentiate the process (content, strategies for instruction) in the classroom?
As I was researching articles for this week’s essential question, I posted them to my Pinterest account for further review. Here is the link http://pinterest.com/bluebear91/story-of-differentiation/ I pondered upon what differentiation means to my students and myself. I have viewed differentiation as they way teachers meet each student’s individual needs. I have worked in special education for five years and each child receiver an individual education plan which includes deficits for them. As I was reading the articles, it was pointed out that differentiation is not individual instruction, but a way for the teacher to made a program change to the curriculum to meet a student’s current level, teach to a child’s multiple intelligence, or group children based upon needs. We can use technology to accomplish some aspects of differentiation in the classroom setting. I found an article that gave suggestions for using technology for each type of multiple intelligences. The article is titled “Using Technology to Differentiate instruction. Here is the link http://teaching.monster.com/benefits/articles/8484-using-technology-to-differentiate-instruction?page=1
I believe that we need to start looking at meeting our children at their current levels. I believe that good supports are in place for the students who are struggling; however, the students who are more advanced are often not challenged. As educators, we need to be concerned with them also and increase all of our students learning because each child should benefit from classroom instruction. It does pose the question, how are we supporting all children in the classroom? Do we just worry about the ones that are being left behind, or are we supporting all students’ advancement?
Technology can use used to assist in instruction differentiation. Students can create assignments via the various computer programs that have been created. For example, school districts have given the Aleks math program to students who are above average in math. Parents can also purchase the program on their own. The program allows students to be challenged and advance their skills.
As I was researching articles for this week’s essential question, I posted them to my Pinterest account for further review. Here is the link http://pinterest.com/bluebear91/story-of-differentiation/ I pondered upon what differentiation means to my students and myself. I have viewed differentiation as they way teachers meet each student’s individual needs. I have worked in special education for five years and each child receiver an individual education plan which includes deficits for them. As I was reading the articles, it was pointed out that differentiation is not individual instruction, but a way for the teacher to made a program change to the curriculum to meet a student’s current level, teach to a child’s multiple intelligence, or group children based upon needs. We can use technology to accomplish some aspects of differentiation in the classroom setting. I found an article that gave suggestions for using technology for each type of multiple intelligences. The article is titled “Using Technology to Differentiate instruction. Here is the link http://teaching.monster.com/benefits/articles/8484-using-technology-to-differentiate-instruction?page=1
I believe that we need to start looking at meeting our children at their current levels. I believe that good supports are in place for the students who are struggling; however, the students who are more advanced are often not challenged. As educators, we need to be concerned with them also and increase all of our students learning because each child should benefit from classroom instruction. It does pose the question, how are we supporting all children in the classroom? Do we just worry about the ones that are being left behind, or are we supporting all students’ advancement?
Technology can use used to assist in instruction differentiation. Students can create assignments via the various computer programs that have been created. For example, school districts have given the Aleks math program to students who are above average in math. Parents can also purchase the program on their own. The program allows students to be challenged and advance their skills.