Differentiation

 

 

What is Differentiation?

 

Differentiation is a philosophy that enables teachers to plan strategically in order to reach the needs of diverse learners in classrooms today to achieve (competencies).
Gregory & Chapman, 2007

 

The idea of differentiating instruction is based on the belief that we can adjust learning by considering our students' prior knowledge, background experiences, skills preferences and needs.
Melinda Cochrane
Beaconsfield High school
Beaconsfield, Qc

 

Differentiation is when we give students a chance to participate in the classroom in new ways. There is greater student engagement when they are allowed to work in smaller groups, for example; allowed to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways; when there are multiple opportunities for success, and enough time to learn, reflect and make changes. That is what differentiation is.
Susan Outram
Centennial High school
Greenfield Park, Qc

 

Who is the At Risk Student?

Any student in your classroom who is not succeeding can be considered at risk. The factors that put students at risk are many and include such things as cultural and linguistic diversity, family background, personal problems, learning difficulties or giftedness. Many of these students thrive on a differentiated approach that incorporates effective teaching practices to learn and develop their potential.

NB: For students needing a modified ELA curriculum, (where the content or competency has been adjusted and students are not moving toward a high school leaving certificate) we recommend discussing these modifications with administration, student services, parents, etc. in order to meet the requirements of an IEP.

 

Why Differentiate?

Whatever, the reason, the fact is that the students in our classrooms come with such a wide range of literacy skills and learning styles that a one-size-fits-all model cannot possibly work. As an added bonus, the concept of differentiation is implicit in our ELA programs.

 

When to Differentiate?

All day, every day!
Every chance you get.

 

How Do We Differentiate?

Much of today's research in differentiation is based on the seminal work of Carol Tomlinson who has outlined the following elements for differentiated instruction: content, process and product. These can be taught through a range of instructional and management strategies that change according to a student's readiness, interest and learning profile.

Source: The Differentiated Classroom, Tomlinson 1999