AEE 412 Weekly Writing #8: Differentiated Instruction

http://edtheory.blogspot.com/2016/04/differentiated-instruction.html

This week's reading took us into the world of differentiated instruction. We have touched on this concept in class at different points throughout the semester but haven't gotten to take an up-close look at it until this point. First off I'll start by giving you the definition I have composed in my mind. Differentiated instruction occurs when teachers are mindful how each of their students learns best. The teacher teaches in the ways their students learn best. Saying that may seem all fine and dandy. However, the differences from student to student can make this quite difficult. Creating this type of learning environment takes planning.

So why Differentiate Instruction?

Students learn in different ways. One student may learn better by taking notes. One may learn better by creating a drawing. One may learn better by tearing apart an engine. We are all different, and we learn in very different ways. Trying different learning strategies will allow us to determine how our students learn best. We can then teach using the most effective strategies, which provides the most optimal growth for our students.

How do we Differentiate Instruction?

We as teachers can differentiate our instruction through the content we teach, the process we use to teach that content, the product of the learning, and the environment we create in the classroom. It is very important that we teach to student interests. Upon graduation, they are going to pursue careers in something they are interested in. Aligning the content being taught with student interests will generate interest now and help them greatly in the future. The product of the learning or type of assessment can also be different for students. This is where I would love to integrate projects as assessments. Students can generate their own take on what they would like to do and run with it.

When do we do it?

As professionals, we need to be proactive in responding to our students’ needs. After some time with each class we will be able to gauge what works best for them. When lesson planning, we must keep the different learner types in mind. We can create new techniques and note them. This will allow us to implement them on the fly if needed.

https://www.emaze.com/@AOCLFQTO/Differentiated-Instruction:-Learning-Equal-opportunity-for-all

We must always ask ourselves how each individual learner will learn best and try hard to make it happen. We as educators have a huge impact on the future of our students. It is important that we are always looking to maximize their growth.