Observations on Differentiation by Alison Lugg https://padlet.com/alisonlugg/7wych43u4a3658z4 What is your understanding of differentiation? What strategies have you observed teachers using in schools? What strategies have you used and how successful were they? How do you know? en-us 2020-07-15 02:59:03 UTC 2020-08-13 13:28:13 UTC hello@padlet.com Differentiation alisonlugg https://padlet.com/alisonlugg/7wych43u4a3658z4/wish/654745788 Know you students! Differentiation can be through content, environment, teaching strategies, instructions, interests, learning needs, process, support/scaffolding, assessment and feedback and any combination of these based on individual students or groups of students. I have used all of these at some point. Most of the time they work and you can see this through engagement and student success. When differentiation doesn't work, it is important to reflect on why. Was the content pitched too high? Is there a better way to provide instructions? Could the student explain the concept better than he could write it? Was the room too noisy for that student to concentrate to attempt the task? It's about setting students up for success.]]> 2020-07-15 02:59:03 UTC https://padlet.com/alisonlugg/7wych43u4a3658z4/wish/654745788 Differentiation alisonlugg https://padlet.com/alisonlugg/7wych43u4a3658z4/wish/654745791 Before anything, I always make it a priority to get to know my students first, in order to gain their trust and comfort. I learn about their interests, friendship groups, stories they share with me etc, to fully understand my student as a person. Only then I am able to understand my student as a learner. I differentiate by modifying activities that will best suit their learning needs, work with students that learn at a similar level, create groups to promote peer-learning for those at similar learning levels etc. My previous mentors have demonstrated similar strategies and have had success. Students become more engaged and excited to learn. ]]> 2020-07-15 02:59:03 UTC https://padlet.com/alisonlugg/7wych43u4a3658z4/wish/654745791 Everyone is capable. alisonlugg https://padlet.com/alisonlugg/7wych43u4a3658z4/wish/654745796 When I started at university, I viewed differentiation as giving students different work which correlates with their ability. Which in turn is differentiation on its most basic level. However, as I have progressed, I have discovered that differentiation is a strategy that as teachers we put in place to ensure that our students are fulling thier full potential. If a student is deemed not capable at something, I believe that it is the teachers responsibility to create different or alternate paths ways for the student to succeed. Differentiation is one crucial element, along with knowing your students, safe supportive environment etc to ensure your students are successful. ]]> 2020-07-15 02:59:03 UTC https://padlet.com/alisonlugg/7wych43u4a3658z4/wish/654745796 Adapt to the students! alisonlugg https://padlet.com/alisonlugg/7wych43u4a3658z4/wish/654745798 Modify your practice- this involves the content, learning styles and experiences, processes (abstract vs concrete), feedback, assessments. The success of these strategies are seen in the students' engagement levels in 'the moment' and in future lessons as they are working in their Zone of Proximal development- they are willing to give it a go! Some examples include: relating examples to student interests; adjusting expectations based on current performance levels; prompting and levels of questioning; or whole/small-groups/individual work. THE NOTION OF DIFFERENTIATING further informs about the students' needs in terms of where there are NOW to where they need TO BE (starting point) ]]> 2020-07-15 02:59:03 UTC https://padlet.com/alisonlugg/7wych43u4a3658z4/wish/654745798 Differentiation alisonlugg https://padlet.com/alisonlugg/7wych43u4a3658z4/wish/654745802 Making learning accessible for all students.
It's making sure that the activities that are planned match the current abilities of each child.
It's mapping where they are in their understanding of a topic/concept and using their current knowledge as a beginning point for teaching.
It's using data to determine where they are and then asking the question of where do they need to go next? (As opposed to asking where are they supposed to be?)
It's not for just one student who's extremely far behind it's for all students so that I as a teacher can help them grow.
It's seeing growth in a year as coming from wherever their starting point was to one year forward. It might be going from 4.5-5.5, or 2-3. It's seeing that as progress without any expectations of where they 'should be'.]]> 2020-07-15 02:59:03 UTC https://padlet.com/alisonlugg/7wych43u4a3658z4/wish/654745802 Differentiation is about creating equitable access for all students to learning that supports their learning needs. It is about creating multiple entry points and designing flexible learning activities that can showcase their learning without getting stuck on the way that the learning is shown. It is about using data and evidence (know your student) to understand where they are and find ways to engage all students in the class so that they can progress their learning. https://padlet.com/alisonlugg/7wych43u4a3658z4/wish/678586396 2020-08-13 12:58:21 UTC https://padlet.com/alisonlugg/7wych43u4a3658z4/wish/678586396