Differentiated Instruction

Detailed Description of Differentiated Model I Use with Supporting Research

Broad Overview of my Current Differentiated Instruction Model

Paper on Differentiated Content / Modified Curriculum Project and a Study of the basic Proficiency Experiment Quarter 4 2010

Survey Results June 2010: Where do most kids report getting their information?

Students have choices about information sources to address course content.

Differentiated Instruction is a way of teaching that offers a variety of learning experiences to students. Differentiated lessons have the potential to help students do better because the lesson is in some way tailored to their individual learning styles. It is a key feature of my teaching practice.

There are four common ways to differentiate instruction:

Differentiation can occur in the content (what I want them to learn), process (how I want them to learn it), product (how they show they know) or environment in the classroom (creating an environment that offers opportunities to different ways of learning).

Students sometimes have choice in what they are to learn. Students sometimes all experience the lesson in multiple ways such that one of the ways may work best for them. Sometimes everyone has to do the same thing. Reading and writing form the core literacy components in the NYS measurement of Social Studies, so they are in class too.

Differentiated instruction does not guarantee success, though I believe it increases the probability of success. It does not offer "easier" options to some students or award some students high grades for a less demanding lesson, though when students choose the method of their learning they gravitate toward that which "feels" easier. This is owing to the fact that it matches how they learn best.

The method recognizes that not all students learn the same way and that a variety of paths can lead to success. However, there are certain requisite skills everyone in the class, whether it is easier for them or not, is called upon to learn. These skills include academic reading and writing.