Introduction This presentation compares and contrasts differentiation and UDL which stands for Universal Design for Learning. It also will describe how I envision blending these concepts in my future classroom.

Definitions of Differentiation and UDL Differentiation is simply altering instruction in the classroom to meet the needs of every single student. Carol Tomlinson defines it as follows: “Differentiation is responsive teaching- rather than one-size fits all teaching” (Tomlinson, C., [video file]). A definition provided by the article “Differentiated Instruction and Implications for UDL Implementation” by Hall, Strangman, & Meyer defines differentiation as follows: “Differentiated instruction is a teaching theory based on the premise that instructional approaches should vary and be adapted in relation to individual and diverse students in classrooms (Tomlinson, 2001)”. What these definitions mean is simply that we must remember all students are different and learn in different ways.

Definitions of Differentiation and UDL UDL stands for Universal Design for Learning and is defined as follows: “a curriculum designed approach to increase flexibility in teaching and decrease the barriers that frequently limit student access to materials and learning in classrooms (Rose & Meyer, 2002)” (Hall, T., Strangman, N., & Meyer, A.,2011, January 14). What this definition means to me is that the curriculum must meet the needs of all students by having a flexible nature with different assessment strategies in place and by providing different modalities so that students can learn in the way that works best for them whether they are auditory. Visual, or kinesthetic learners.

Differences between these two concepts The biggest difference I see is that differentiation focuses on how the teacher teaches and UDL focuses on the actual curriculum that teachers are expected to come up with based on Common Core State Standards as well as the laws that are in place such as No Child Left Behind and IDEA.

Pictures of what a differentiated classroom looks like

Links to some you tube videos that describe Differentiation and UDL

How I envision blending these two concepts in my future classroom Because I am a true believer in learning through play, my future classroom is set up in a fun and exciting way as well as being a true educational environment. Literacy can be seen throughout my classroom as can mathematical concepts by the different “areas” of my classroom as well as the hanging letters, words, and numbers as well as shapes all created by my students. I will blend differentiation with Universal Design for Learning by creating a curriculum that meets the needs of every single student in a way that also meets the Common Core State Standards. I will do this by utilizing many different forms of representation and also allowing my students to complete their work in the way that works best for them.

How I envision blending these two concepts in my future classroom continued Every lesson teaches real life skills and every student receives many opportunities to show what he or she has learned through projects, quizzes, plays, written assignments, and verbal assignments. I also scaffold in my classroom so that I am teaching up which is basically challenging the students just a little further than their current abilities.

Floor plan of what my ideal future classroom would look like utilizing differentiation and UDL

References Bing Image Search Differentiated Instruction Ignites Elementary School Learning Hall, T., Strangman, N., & Meyer, A. (2011, January 14). Differentiated instruction and implications for udl implementation. Retrieved from instruction and implications for udl implementation. The UDL Guidelines

References Continued Tips & Strategies for Effective Differentiation & Instruction.wmv Motivating Defiant and Disruptive Students to Learn: Passion to Learn