Differentiation+Strategies

​ Students learn in a variety of ways. All students begin with different amounts of prior knowledge or skill expertise. Students each have a different learning rate, different cognitive abilities and various learning style preferences. Not to mention, we all have different motivations and attitudes, interests, strengths and talents.

When we already have this many differences, how can we expect to teach all students in exactly the same way?

Differentiation is a way that we can meet the needs of all students. It is a strategy that ensures students will receive the instruction that makes them most successful instead of encountering material either too far below or above their ability level.


 * __Strategies for Differentiation: __**

Compacting Independent Projects Flexible Skills Grouping Acceleration Tiered Assignments Interest and Learning Centers High-level Questions Alternatives and Choices Mentorships or Apprenticeships Open-ended Activities and product s  Direct Instruction Peer-Tutoring/Teaching Discussion concept-Attainment Model Guided or Unguided Independent Studies Socratic Inquiry Problem-based Learning Cooperative Learning Socratic Questioning Concept Mapping Inquiry Method Literature Circle Technology-Supported Learning Formats Apprenticeships, Mentorships, and Internship s
 * __Teaching Strategies__**

The theory of multiple intelligences was developed in 1983 by Dr. Howard Gardner of Harvard University. The theory basically states that simply basing intelligence on IQ score is too limited. Instead he suggests multiple intelligences that account for a broader range of abilities.

These intelligences include: **Linguistic intelligence** ("word smart") **Spatial intelligence** ("picture smart")
 * Logical-mathematical intelligence**
 * Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence** ("body smart")
 * Musical intelligence** ("music smart")
 * Interpersonal intelligence** ("people smart")
 * Intrapersonal intelligence** ("self smart")
 * Naturalist intelligence** ("nature smart")

Read more about [|Gardner's Multiple Intelligences:] ​​ Following is a list of differentiation strategies taken from the Apppomattox, VA school system website. Differentiated Instructional Strategies Ideas for Centers and Projects Grouped by Multiple Intelligences **//__Verbal/Linguistic Bodily/Kinesthetic__//** Prepare a report Create a role-play with partner/group Write a play or essay Construct a model Create a poem or recitation Develop a mime Listen to an audiotape on … Create a tableau for … Interview Manipulate materials Label a diagram Work through a simulation Give directions for … Create actions for … Compose a rap song or rhyme Work with partner/group Create a jingle to teach others Discuss and come to conclusions Listen to musical selections Solve a problem together Write a poem Survey or interview others Select music or poems for dialogue about a topic Use cooperative groups Discover or experiment Create a pattern Categorize materials or ideas Describe a sequence or process Look for ideas from nature Develop a rationale Adapt materials to a new look Analyze a situation Connect ideas to nature Critically assess … Examine materials Classify, rank, or compare … Make generalizations... Interpret evidence …
 * //__Musical/Rhythmic/ Interpersonal__//**
 * //__Naturalist - Logical/Mathematical__//**

Differentiated Activities
​ A Different Place <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Georgia,serif;">is a website that allows kids to find what they are interested in and work on that subject at their own ability level. Maybe their class isn't covering what they want to learn about. They can search the site and find more information. Teachers can use the site to find multi-ability level activities and suggestions.

Trenton, NJ's district schools website has an entire list of various [|differentiated math activities.] <span style="color: #008000; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Check it out!

Use reading buddies of different ability levels for [|Peer Tutoring]

=<span style="color: #800080; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 120%;">Helpful Links <span style="color: #800080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">to Learn more about Differentiation! =

This PDF is from a South Dakota school district. It offers many grouping strategies for differentiating in the whole group setting such as Think, Pair, Share, and then various ways of getting the students into the groups. Having a student find a partner is always difficult so this suggests clock partners (look to your 3:00, that's your partner) and some interesting strategies with popsicle sticks. There are ideas including marker boards, different handouts for partner work, and many more ideas and printables On Target: Strategies that Work

This article, [|Differentiated Instruction and Implications for UDL Implementation], gives an outline of what differentiatiion is and suggests how it can be used with Universal Design. I like this set up because the article takes differerentiation step by step ( content, process, and products) and explains how to implement each of these steps. Universal design is about a curriculum that fits all learners universally, so including differentiation as a part of it seems only natural.

[|Teach-Nology] is a great resource because it offers a step-by-step how-to on differentiation.

Differentiation tips for parents! [|Reading Rockets- Tips for Parents]

Links galore for differentiation resources