Weekly Web Wonder 8: Differentiated Instruction

Diferentiated. Differensiated. Differentiated  Instruction. As intimidating as it is to spell, the idea of it can scare new teachers just as much. My first thought was this would relate to students IEP's, however that is more based around individualized instruction. Individualized instruction works around setting specific goals for a student based on ability(?). Differentiated instruction is how you respond to your students and class as a whole, specifically in their readiness, interests, and learning preferences, while keeping the same rigor and expected learning goals.

Readiness: How much do they already know? You can not expect your ag mech class to diagnose problems with their small gas engines if they do not know the 4 strokes. However, your next period ag mech class might be able to rebuild engines in their sleep. This involves assessment of prior knowledge and may often lead to a "ok back it up" moment. I often hear high school and college students alike complain about being overwhelmed by content, or that "they never taught me this and expect me to know it". I wish to avoid all such comments in my future students

Interests: Of course, this relates to interest approach. How can we link what we are doing to prior knowledge and experiences? If we can do so, we create a feeling of "want to learn" rather than "have to learn".

Learning preferences: In mechanics, I prefer to learn hands-on with a coach by my side. Others prefer to learn by reading the manual. Every student prefers a different way to "..acquire, process and work with information. Learning preferences are influenced by gender, culture, the classroom environment, learning styles and multiple intelligences."(1) How can we teach to all these different styles?

I want to note that differentiated instruction requires constant formative assessment (shout out to last blog!). It is difficult to plan differentiated instruction far in advance. I know I will eventually end up re-planning future lessons based on my assessment of teaching that day, but hopefully I will be able to look back and remember this blog and why it is all worth it.


To end on a funny note...

When I saw this strip, I could not pass up including it. In #AEE412 we have all these ideas coming down the pipeline and at sometimes it feels overwhelming. I feel our cohort gaining confidence in our ability to apply everything that has stuck with us. Here's to the week ahead!

(1) http://www.edugains.ca/resourcesDI/Brochures/DIBrochureOct08.pdf