What+is+Differentiated+Instruction?

//Excerpt from the Scholastic Professional title:// //Differentiating Reading Instruction,// //by Laura Robb.//




 * What Is Differentiated Instruction?** **Differentiated instruction is a way to reach students with different learning**
 * styles, different abilities to absorb information and different ways of expressing what they have learned. Laura Robb is an expert in the field of differentiated instruction, and, as such, she has command of the theory and research as well as hands-on experience in the classroom.** Source: Scholastic Professional

Differentiation is a way of teaching; it’s not a program or package of worksheets. It asks teachers to know their students well so they can provide each one with experiences and tasks that will improve learning. As Carol Ann Tomlinson has said, differentiation means giving students multiple options for taking in information (1999). Differentiating instruction means that you observe and understand the differences and similarities among students and use this information to plan instruction. Here is a list of some key principles that form the foundation of differentiating instruction. From this list you can see that differentiating instruction asks teachers to continually strive to know and to respond to each students’ needs to maximize learning. I want you also to understand why educators like Carol Ann Tomlinson, Richard Allington, and me strongly believe that instruction in reading should be differentiated. To deepen your understanding, let me share information with you that explains this strong commitment to differentiated learning.
 * Ongoing, formative assessment:** Teachers continually assess to identify students’ strengths and areas of need so they can meet students where they are and help them move forward.
 * Recognition of diverse learners:** The students we teach have diverse leveles of expertise and experience with reading, writing, thinking, problem solving, and speaking. Ongoing assessments enable teacher to develop differentiated lessons that meet every students’ needs.
 * Group Work:** Students collaborate in pairs and small groups whose membership changes as needed. Learning in groups enables students to engage in meaningful discussions and to observe and learn from one another. **Problem Solving:** The focus in classrooms that differentiate instruction is on issues and concepts rather than “the book” or the chapter. This encourages all students to explore big ideas and expand their understanding of key concepts. **Choice:** Teachers offer students choice in their reading and writing experiences and in the tasks and projects they complete. By negotiating with students, teachers can create motivating assignments that meet students’ diverse needs and varied interests.