What is Differentiated Instruction?
Differentiation is not a novel concept. The one-room schoolhouse is a perfect example of a differentiated classroom (Anderson, 2007). According to Tomlinson (2005), “In a differentiated classroom, the teacher proactively plans and carries out varied approaches to content, process, and product in anticipation of and response to student differences in readiness, interest, and learning needs” (p. 7). Here are a few help hints to better understand what differentiated instruction is and is not:
Differentiating Instruction IS
- planning different paths ahead of time to attack the subject matter
- quality of an assignment to match the students’ needs
- multiple approaches to content, process, and product
- student centered- students make evaluating decisions
- combination of whole class, group work, and individual work
Differentiated Instruction IS NOT
- individualized instruction
- unorganized and chaotic
- grading harder or easier based on a student’s achievement level
Differentiating Instruction IS
- planning different paths ahead of time to attack the subject matter
- quality of an assignment to match the students’ needs
- multiple approaches to content, process, and product
- student centered- students make evaluating decisions
- combination of whole class, group work, and individual work
Differentiated Instruction IS NOT
- individualized instruction
- unorganized and chaotic
- grading harder or easier based on a student’s achievement level
Carol Ann Tomlinson is an educator, speaker and author. She is best known for her innovative work with differentiated instruction. In the video below, Tomlinson provides an explanation of what it means to differentiate instruction.
References:
Anderson, K. M., & Algozzine, B. (2007). Tips for teaching: Differentiating instruction to include all students. Preventing School Failure, 51(3), 49-54.
Institutes on Academic Diversity. What is differentiated instructions. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bApuBiitL8Q
Tomlinson, C. (2005). How to differentiate instruction in mixed-ability classrooms. (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc.
Anderson, K. M., & Algozzine, B. (2007). Tips for teaching: Differentiating instruction to include all students. Preventing School Failure, 51(3), 49-54.
Institutes on Academic Diversity. What is differentiated instructions. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bApuBiitL8Q
Tomlinson, C. (2005). How to differentiate instruction in mixed-ability classrooms. (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc.