When beginning differentiation, it is important to consider all of your students within your classroom. Below are some ways to differentiate instruction based on the needs of your students:
A.
English Language Learners:
1.
Speak slowly,
distinctly, and write down key terms –Write
down key terms so students can see them and connect them to the spoken word.
2.
Emphasize visual
literacy - Visual literacy is
independent of language. Visual Aids such as diagrams, pictorial riddles, photos,
maps, help to build visual literacy.
3.
Graphic
Organizers – Graphic organizers help to
introduce and assess new concepts in a manner that encourages meaningful
learning. Graphic organizers include diagrams or maps that show a link between concepts.
Examples of graphic organizers are: Conceptual grids, Venn diagrams, flow
charts, mind maps, and concept maps, etc.
4.
Think/Pair/Share – Students learn to speak English by speaking English. English
language learners are often excited to share their thoughts using their new
language with their classmates. The think/pair/share strategy provides students
an opportunity to practice their English by explaining a topic.
5.
Word wall – Each week, new vocabulary words are posted on a wall and
organized in a group.
B.
Special Needs Students:
1.
Cooperative
Learning - Students work in groups and use
various learning strategies of others. These groups provide a safe place for
students to contribute to the group and receive support from their classmates.
2.
Explicit Modeling – explicit modeling includes the explanation of step by
step procedures. Explicit Modeling can be used for activities such as “note-taking,
making connections among ideas, asking questions, project planning, and
time-management may have to be taught, because special needs students are not
able to make the connections on their own.”
3.
Graphic
Organizers - Organizing information is can
be a problem for students with special needs. Students with special needs are often
visual learners who respond well to information represented in graphic form. Examples
of graphic Organizers include: Concept maps, Venn diagrams, Cause-and-effect
charts, Story Maps, T-charts, and Timelines.
4.
Multi-sensory
Approach - Students learn in different
ways. Therefore, it is important to use multi-sensory instruction; such as using
visual and auditory cues. In addition, physical cues, such as a light touch, are
helpful if a student becomes distracted.
5.
Visual component –
Students with special needs comprehend and respond
faster when a concept or lesson is conveyed both visually using picture, graphs
or other visual aids.
C.
Advanced or Gifted Learners:
1.
Change the Pace: advanced or gifted learners often
already know the concepts to being taught, or learn them fast. When these
students can demonstrate mastery of a learning goal, it is important to extend
their learning and knowledge through an enrichment or extension activity. This
includes: pre-testing; tiered activities ranging from the most difficult first,
independent study, and learning centers.
2.
Change the
Delivery/Content: With advanced or gifted
learners, it is important to change the delivery/ content so that student don’t
become complacent. Some examples include: mini-lessons, different resources, open-ended questions reading journals, tiered activities, learning centers, anchor activities,
discovery learning.
3.
Change the
Product: By
changing the product, advanced or gifted learners, are allowed an opportunity
to apply their knowledge of content, and have the opportunity to demonstrate
their talents and abilities.
4.
Change the
Process - Add Depth: advanced or gifted
learners often quickly master the facts of a new concept and learning goals.
These students need to focus on more than just the basic facts and information.
It is important to allow these = students the ability to choose a specific area
of the topic to encourages them to become an “expert” in that area.
5.
Change the
Process - Add Breadth: advanced or
gifted learners typically can make the connections between concepts, subject matter,
and idea. It is important to motivate students find an interest that they are passionate
about and connect that passion to the greater
theme.
References:
Drummosh Follow. (2009, March 29). Differentiating Instruction For Gifted Learners. Retrieved January 21, 2018, from https://www.slideshare.net/drummosh/differentiating-instruction-for-gifted-learners
Strategies for Teaching Science to English Language Learners. (n.d.). Retrieved January 21, 2018, from https://www.csun.edu/science/ref/language/teaching-ell.html
7. Differentiation Techniques for Special Needs Students - Differentiation & LR Information for SAS Teachers. (n.d.). Retrieved January 21, 2018, from https://sites.google.com/site/lrtsas/differentiation/differentiation-techniques-for-special-education