Differentiation

DIFFERENTIATION is a way in which a teacher anticipates and responds to a variety of student needs in the classroom.

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CONTENT: What we teach and what we want students to learn

What is being taught

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Sample strategies: varied texts and resource materials, learning contracts, reteaching, modes of teaching (movement, charts, audio, podcast, interactive smartboard…), support systems (recordings, notetaking, highlighting, key ideas, mentors…)

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PROCESS: How students make sense, to know, understand and be able to do

How it is being taught

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Sample strategies: small group – independent – whole group instruction, journals, graphic organizers, learning centers

Readiness: matching complexity to students’ current levels of knowledge, understanding and skill

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PRODUCTS: Ways student show what they know (summative assessment)

How students demonstrate their learning

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Sample strategies: learning contracts, tiered assignments, choice boards, learning menus, choices

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ENVIRONMENT: Location, context and culture