Differentiation

What is differentiation?

Differentiated instruction is an approach to teaching essential content in ways that address the varied learning needs of students with the goal of maximizing the possibilities of each learner. - Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development

The model of differentiated instruction requires teachers to be flexible in their approach to teaching and adjusting the curriculum and presentation of information to learners rather than expecting students to modify themselves for the curriculum. -Tracey Hall, Ph.D.

Additional Resources:
Differentiation
Glossary of Terms

What is a differentiated curriculum?

• Differentiated Curriculum refers to teaching that is adapted to take into account the individual differences and needs of students in any one classroom.

• It comprises modifications to the curriculum, teaching structures, and teaching practices in combination to ensure that instruction is relevant, flexible and responsive, leading to successful achievement and the development of students as self-regulated learners.

(van Kraayenoord, 1997)

Why Differentiate?

• All students should be given an opportunity to develop to their full potential.

• For most students the regular classroom will provide appropriate challenge.

• Students need the opportunity to work through the curriculum at a faster pace and need less time on basics and revision.

Differentiated Curriculum

Requires teachers to:  Identify learning outcomes
                                 Pretest students for prior mastery
                                 Eliminate unnecessary teaching

How does Differentiation Occur?

• Planning for different outcomes from the same task

• Modifying learning tasks

• Giving some students more support and direction

• Using different forms of grouping in the classroom Using different resources

Westwood (1996) citing Dewhurst (1996)

Modes of Differentiation