Differentiation

// Differentiation engages students more deeply in their learning, provides for constant growth and development, and provides for a stimulating and exciting classroom //

media type="youtube" key="1bp_i3jyuK4?fs=1" height="385" width="640"  Differentiation is a means to an end, a way to address 3 touchstones of good teaching:  1. Setting high expectations  2. Engaging  3. Matching strategies to learning goals  (Goodwin,2010)

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// “In a differentiated classroom, the teacher proactively plans and carries out varied approaches to content, process and product in anticipation and response to student differences in readiness, interest, and learning needs” //  (Carol Ann Tomlinson, 2001) = RULES OF THUMB = • (Carol Ann Tomlinson, 2001)
 * Be clear on the key concepts and generalisation or principles that gave meaning and structure to the topic, chapter, unit or lesson you are planning
 * Think of assessment as a road map for your thinking and planning
 * Lessons for all children should emphasise critical and creative thinking •
 *  It is not acceptable for struggling students to do only low level tasks that require only memorisation of information and minimal comprehension •
 *  We should not consign some students to simple drill and practice and save the rich and engaging lessons for others – “All students need lessons that are coherent, relevant, powerful, transferable, authentic and meaningful.” –
 * Lessons for all children should be engaging
 * Balance between student selected and teacher-assigned tasks and working arrangements