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What student-centered approaches or techniques can you use to address differentiation?

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What student-centered approaches or techniques can you use to address differentiation?

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Differentiation refers to the approach of adapting instruction to meet the diverse needs of students. Student-centered approaches and techniques can effectively address differentiation by promoting active learning, critical thinking, and individualized instruction. Here are some student-centered approaches or techniques that can be used to address differentiation:

1. Personalized Learning: Personalized learning involves tailoring instruction to meet the individual needs of each student. This approach can be achieved through the use of adaptive software, individual learning plans, and one-on-one instruction.

2. Flexible Grouping: Flexible grouping allows students to be grouped and regrouped based on their needs and abilities. This approach allows students to work with peers with similar learning needs and styles.

3. Choice-based Learning: Choice-based learning allows students to have a say in what and how they learn. This approach provides students with options for demonstrating their learning, such as through projects, presentations, or papers.

4. Universal Design for Learning: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework for designing instruction that meets the diverse needs of all students. UDL incorporates multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement to support all learners.

5. Collaborative Learning: Collaborative learning allows students to work together to solve problems or complete tasks. This approach allows students to learn from each other and support each other in their learning.

6. Self-Directed Learning: Self-directed learning involves students taking responsibility for their own learning. This approach allows students to pursue their interests and passions while still meeting learning objectives.

References:
The Importance of Student Choice Across All Grade Levels: By Stephen Merrill, Sarah Gonser, September 16, 2021 https://www.edutopia.org/article/importance-student-choice-across-all-grade-levels/

What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)?
By Amanda Morin. https://www.understood.org/en/articles/universal-design-for-learning-what-it-is-and-how-it-works

4 Principles of a Universal Design for Learning Approach
By Sarah Schwartz, February 4, 2022 https://www.edutopia.org/article/4-principles-universal-design-learning-approach/

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At a glance

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) gives all students an equal opportunity to succeed.

This approach to teaching and learning offers flexibility in the ways students access material and show what they know.

UDL also looks for different ways to keep students motivated.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an approach to teaching and learning that gives all students equal opportunity to succeed.

To understand what UDL is, it helps to understand what it's not. The word universal may throw you off. It may sound like UDL is about finding one way to teach all students. But UDL actually takes the opposite approach.

The goal of UDL is to use a variety of teaching methods to remove any barriers to learning. It's about building in flexibility that can be adjusted for every person's strengths and needs. That's why UDL benefits all learners.

This approach to teaching or to workplace training doesn't specifically target people who learn and think differently. But it can be especially helpful for kids with these challenges - including those who have not been formally diagnosed. It can also be very helpful for English language learners.

Watch this video to see what UDL looks like in a fifth-grade classroom.

Dive deeper

Bringing universal design to the classroom

How UDL helps students who learn and think differently

About the author

About the author

Amanda Morin is the author of "The Everything Parent's Guide to Special Education" and the former director of thought leadership at Understood. As an expert and writer, she helped build Understood from its earliest days.

Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Ace Parsi, MPP served as the personalized learning partnership manager at NCLD.

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What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)?

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Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a teaching approach to help all learners be successful. Read about UDL principals and the benefits of UDL for students.

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How can you implement assessment so that it enhances student-centered learning?

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How can you implement assessment so that it enhances student-centered learning?

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Assessment can play a crucial role in enhancing student-centered learning if it is designed and implemented in a way that aligns with the principles of student-centered learning. Here are some ways to implement assessment that enhances student-centered learning:

1. Assess Learning Outcomes: Assessments should align with learning outcomes that reflect the knowledge, skills, and competencies students are expected to acquire. Students should clearly understand the learning outcomes and how they will be assessed.

2. Provide Timely Feedback: Assessment should provide timely and specific feedback to students on their progress towards the learning outcomes. Feedback should be constructive and help students to identify areas where they need to improve.

3. Offer Multiple Assessment Methods: Assessments should be designed to accommodate different learning styles and abilities. Multiple assessment methods, such as quizzes, group projects, presentations, and essays, can allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills differently.

4. Involve Students in the Assessment Process: Involve students in the assessment process by giving them a say in the assessment criteria and how their work will be evaluated. This can help to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility for their learning.

5. Encourage Reflection: Reflection is an important aspect of student-centered learning. Encourage students to reflect on their learning and their assessment results, and use that reflection to guide their future learning.

6. Use Assessment as a Learning Tool: Assessment can be used as a learning tool by incorporating formative assessment into the learning process. Formative assessment can help students to identify their strengths and weaknesses and adjust their learning strategies accordingly. A great example - is Choice Board.

References:
Green, C. & Harrington, C. (2020). Student-centered learning: In principle and in practice. Lansing, MI: Michigan Virtual University. Available from https://michiganvirtual.org/research/publications/student-centered-learning-in-principle-and-in-practice/

Whitney P. Gordon

Special Education and English teacher; Ed.S. in Teacher Leadership, Thomas University, GA  February 28, 2020
https://www.teachhub.com/professional-development/2020/02/how-to-use-student-assessments-in-your-classroom/

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In a day and age where high-stakes testing often deprives the classroom of true autonomy and engagement, the word assessment can carry a negative connotation. The word assessment often invokes visions of students in silent rows shuffling through a packet of papers and deciphering a passel of questions. The truth is that assessment in education is both necessary and useful for student success.

When applied properly, student assessment serves as one of the most powerful tools at a teacher's disposal. The first step to effective assessment is knowing the different types of assessments, and when each assessment is the optimal choice.

Different Types of Assessments

When categorizing assessments, you may naturally think of words like "test," "essay," or "oral presentation." While these are effective assessment tools, in order to classify assessment types we must determine the purpose of an assessment. Upon knowing the purpose and intended use of an assessment, it will be easier to choose from the types of assessment below.

Diagnostic Assessments

These assessments are administered at the beginning of a term or unit in order to establish a baseline for a student's ability. Also known as pretests, diagnostic assessments give the teacher a picture of the students' prior knowledge, thus providing a foundation for instructional planning. Due to the nature of these assessments, they should not negatively impact a student's grade. It's no secret that students often neglect to take assessments that don't impact their grade seriously, thus offering other performance or growth incentives can help yield more reliable data.

Formative Assessments

Formative assessments provide information about students' progress toward mastery throughout instruction. Formative assessments are typically quick and can be administered in conjunction with a range of concepts. Think-pair-share, exit tickets, and class-wide polls are examples of formative assessments that are flexible, quick, and informative. The purpose of formative assessments is to gather student performance data that can be useful as you advance toward a summative assessment.

Summative Assessments

The opposite of their formative counterparts, summative assessments are typically administered when students have had the time and support needed to achieve mastery. Summative assessments often occur at the end of a unit or term, and typically carry significant weight grade-wise. During a summative assessment, students are expected to independently apply the concepts learned during instruction.

Ipsative Assessments

Ipsative assessments track student growth. The purpose of this type of assessment is to compare a student's performance to his/her past performance. The goal is for the student to improve as opposed to pursuing a certain grade or comparing students to one another.

Norm-Referenced Assessments

Unlike ipsative assessments, norm-referenced assessments compare student performance. In order to administer this type of assessment, you must first establish an average norm. This norm could be the average of past student performance on the assessment. When administering a norm-referenced assessment, the teacher can see how a student performs in relation to other students.

Criterion-Referenced Assessments

Criterion-referenced assessments measure student performance according to a set standard. Mastery is determined based upon whether students meet the standard. Curriculum should be aligned to the criterion-referenced assessment in order to yield positive results. These assessments are typically summative and include a plethora of concepts.

Alternative Assessments

Alternative assessments seek to evaluate students' performance ability as opposed to knowledge. These assessments often call for students to perform certain tasks that do not include traditional tests. Examples are oral presentations or portfolios. Alternative assessments provide an opportunity for students to apply learned concepts, and when used correctly can enhance career readiness.

How to Use Assessments in Your Classroom

Administering assessments in the classroom is necessary, but the use of assessments does not end there. For assessments to be useful, one must also understand how to use the resulting data and what steps to take based upon assessment results. Below are some tips that will help you get the most out of your classroom assessments.

Don't Over-Assess Your Students

Most teachers indubitably agree that too much assessment does not foster a healthy classroom environment. When assessments are overused, they lose their potency and become a nuisance to students. In order to ensure that you are only assessing students as much as necessary, take time to evaluate what your ultimate learning goals are. Plan assessments that build up to those goals consistently, not frequently.

Provide Timely and Actionable Feedback

For assessments to be useful, students must understand their performance. Too often, students take assessments and see a resulting numerical value that doesn't explain their performance. You should provide feedback to your students following assessments that is both actionable and timely. Timely feedback is given when the feedback is still applicable. Actionable feedback gives students tools to improve on areas of weakness.

Use Assessment Data to Drive Instruction

Your assessment data should always drive your instruction. Once you know how your students have mastered a concept, this should influence your instruction going forward. This requires flexibility and causes your instruction to meet the specific needs of your students.

Remediate and Reassess

When assessment data highlights deficits, take action to remedy those deficits. Also, an assessment does not have to be the end all and be all. After remediation, you should make plans to reassess deficits as time permits.

The Benefits of Assessment

When assessments are varied and selected intentionally, they serve an important purpose in the classroom. Through the use of these classroom assessment techniques, teachers can gain insight into their students' abilities and challenges. The data that effective assessments provide serves as a roadmap for instructional planning and helps teachers to tailor their lessons to the diverse needs of their students. Although the prevalence of standardized testing can make assessment seem like an undue burden, teachers can reclaim the true power of assessment through knowledge and proper planning.

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How to Use Student Assessments in Your Classroom - TeachHUB

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In a day and age where high-stakes testing often deprives the classroom of true autonomy and engagement, the word assessment can carry a negative connotation. The word assessment often invokes visions of students in silent rows shuffling through a packet of papers and deciphering a passel of questions.

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Student centered Learning is defined as the concept of bringing the classroom and students to life. The teacher is seen as a “guide on the side”, assisting and guiding students to meet the goals that have been made by the students and the teacher.

There are many advantages with this model such as:

1.     Increases Engagement

2.     Develops Practical Skills

3.     Acknowledges Learning Styles

4.     Encourages Teamwork and Collaboration

However, there are also some disadvantages with this type of learning:

1.     Independent Students

2.     Teacher Preparation

3.     Classroom Management

4.     Student Preparedness

A Student-Centered Learning classroom should be bright, open and inviting, with natural light and comfortable furniture. Giving that feel of relaxation and not be congested.  The classroom should be designed to facilitate collaboration and movement, with flexible seating options such as bean bags. An area in the classroom should be designated to display students’ achievement and work. Different types of Technology (Laptops, tablets, interactive devices) should be readily available. The teacher should also have access to these technology in order to facilitate Student Centered Learning. The classroom should also have other resources, such as books, games, and puzzles, to encourage students to think critically and become active learners. As a teacher I would try to incorporate gamification elements to make learning more fun and engaging.

Some Student-Centered Learning Based on or Require Collaboration:

a)     Online Forums- Examples discussion boards or live Collaboration software (e.g., Blackboard) wikis

b)     Phenomenon- Based Learning- lessons are often structured around working together to investigate phenomena.

c)     Problem- Based Learning – Medical schools are the masters of collaborative learning. This makes sense, as doctors often work in teams with other medical professionals such as radiologists, anesthesiologists, and physical therapists to devise treatment regimens for patients.

d)     Multiplayer Game- Based learning- Teachers can incorporate a game-based platform like Minecraft, that is a really good thing. As soon as the students hear the words “game” and “Minecraft,” interest will skyrocket.

e)     Service-Learning Projects- are projects where students go out into their communities and work on projects to help support and improve their communities.

As there are many advantages Collaborative Learning, there are also some weaknesses and Assessment Inequities will be at the top of the list. Assessment is always difficult with group work. However, there are still ways to implement assessments that can help enhance student- Centered Learning;

1.     Self-Assessment – The use of Rubrics and Checklist

2.     Peer Assessment – The Ladder of Feedback Technique

3.     Process Portfolios - A process portfolio is a purposeful collection of student work that documents student growth from novice to master. Successful process portfolios actively engage students in their creation, especially in determining their goals, selecting work to be included, and reflecting on how each piece demonstrates progress toward their goals.

4.     Exhibitions - Exhibitions are summative assessments, but the process of building up to a final exhibition includes ongoing assessment, feedback, and revision

Some approaches Teachers can use to address Differentiation in their classrooms are as follow:

a)     Flexible- Pace Learning - Using a flexible approach to time-based tasks, however, faster students are given the facility to complete extension tasks, and it gives other pupils an opportunity to complete their exercise at a more comfortable speed.

b)     Collaborative Learning - Allocating roles to each member of the group can also help pupils organize themselves according to their different skills and capabilities. This gives less able students a way to add value and generates more confidence.

c)     Progressive tasks – It Is possible for teachers to set separate work or exercises to different students based on their abilities. Allowing students with a slower pace of learning to work at their own speed, it also gives a vehicle for more academically able students to progress to the more challenging questions more quickly.

d)     Digital Resources - This method of differentiation allows different materials, platforms and tools to be used to bring about the same learning outcome, and give pupils confidence in their digital skills.

e)     Verbal support – Teachers can identify different learning abilities and adapt their vocal explanation and support to different academic levels. Using targeted questioning can produce different responses in pupils of different learning profiles.

f)      Variable Outcomes- Students of different abilities will arrive at outcomes that match their level of understanding and learning.

g)     Ongoing Assessment - With an interactive front-of-class display like the ActivPanel, teachers can perform anonymous or open polls, end-of-class assessments and pop quizzes.

Student- Centered approaches that include Physical movement are a form of kinesthetic learning that can be very effective, especially when introducing new concepts. Some student- Centered approaches or methods which has physical movement are:

a)     Kinesthetic Learning- This method encourages students to use their bodies—by touching, moving, and manipulating objects—to explore and understand concepts

b)     Action-Based Learning- It encourages students to actively engage in the learning process by engaging in physical activities. Students can use movement to explore ideas, create projects, and complete tasks.

c)     Active Learning - emphasizes that students are involve in the learning process. It often involves physical movement, such as role-playing, group activities, and hands-on experiments.

d)     Experiential Learning - encourages students to learn through personal experience. This approach often includes physical activities, such as field trips and simulations, to help students gain a better understanding of the material.

References:

1.     https://helpfulprofessor.com/collaborative-learning-examples/

2.     https://studentsatthecenterhub.org/resource/assessment/

3.     https://resourced.prometheanworld.com/differentiation-classroom-7-methods-differentiation/

4.     https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/do-something/

5.     https://hes-extraordinary.com/kinesthetic-learning-activities

6.     https://www.abllab.com/

7.     https://study.com/academy/lesson/action-based-learning-concept-activities.html

8.     https://learninginnovation.duke.edu/resources/art-and-science-of-teaching/active-learning-techniques-classroom/

9.     https://www.nactateachers.org/images/Jun13_3-Student-centered_Teaching_through_Experiential_Learning_and_its_Assessment.pdf

10.   https://www.niu.edu/citl/resources/guides/instructional-guide/experiential-learning.shtml

11.   https://xqsuperschool.org/rethinktogether/what-is-student-centered-learning

12.   https://www.esu-online.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/2010-T4SCL-Stakeholders-Forum-Leuven-An-Insight-Into-Theory-And-Practice.pdf

13.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7n2hCebmT4c&t=187s

14.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2N1I6sOhDiw&t=18s

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Student-centered approaches for teaching English reading at the primary level

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Student-centered approaches for teaching English reading at the primary level

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1. Shared Reading: This is a technique where the teacher and the students read a text together. The teacher models fluent reading and asks questions to engage students in the text. This approach helps students develop their reading skills and also improves their comprehension.

2. Guided Reading: In this approach, students are grouped based on their reading levels and are given texts that are appropriate for their level. The teacher guides them through the reading process, helping them to decode unfamiliar words and understand the text.

3. Literature Circles: This is a student-led approach where students work in small groups to read and discuss a book. Each student takes on a different role, such as discussion director or illustrator, and they share their ideas and interpretations with their group members.

4. Reader's Theater: This approach involves students in reading and acting out a script. They take on different roles and practice reading aloud, which improves their fluency and comprehension.

5. Interactive Read Alouds: In this approach, the teacher reads a text aloud and engages students in discussions and activities that help them to understand the text. This approach helps students to develop their critical thinking skills and also improves their comprehension.

Resources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvzVAQkuSqU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-l6wnTBuXm4
https://www.studentachievementsolutions.com/student-centered-and-peer-learning-opportunities-for-esl-students/

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Student Centered Learning: Why, How, & What