Differentiation in the Classroom By Erik Chavarrieta
What is it? the action or process of differentiating Mathematics? Health? In the classroom? Give me an essay covering these topics. Children are different. Where does some diversity come from?
A Few Barriers Availability of resources Administrative support Time False idea of differentiation
Strategies of Expert Teachers: 4 common characteristics Offering personalized scaffolding Using flexible means to reach defined ends Mining subject-area expertise Creating a caring classroom, where differences are seen as assets
Offering Personalized Scaffolding Scaffolds Temporary supports that help a learner bridge the gap between what he or she can do and what he or she needs to do to succeed at a learning task. Tailored examples One-on-one time to guarantee internalization of complex concepts Field-based experiences?
Using Flexible Means to Reach a Defined End “Multiple paths” How much reign should students have? Sweet spot between structure and choice Accommodation of thinking patterns to achieve learning goals. Keep everyone in mind
Mining Subject-Area Expertise Class debate or lecture? Transformation of dry problems into engaging puzzles
Creating Caring Classrooms (via Classroom Management Strategies) What do you all think? Respect for diversity Any examples? Consider this statement: “What are you doing?! You should know better. Put your phone away while I’m teaching!! That’s so disrespectful of you.” Is this a parent-voice or a teacher-voice? What key phrases or infliction gave it away? How would you change this to be in an appropriate, respectful (yet stern) teacher-voice?