Easy as 123.
I somehow managed to come upon another article written by Shardha Sandapen in regards to differentiated instruction. This one is entitled “Strategies for handling a mixed-ability classroom.” In the article she presents 5 strategies that allow for easier more effective implementation of differentiated instruction in the classroom.
The first idea she presents basically states that you must be able to reason your desire to use differentiated instruction with others. Students and teachers are going to question the idea of differentiated instruction because neither of them want the student to be thought of as “different” within the classroom setting. This is kind of like rules in the classroom. It is much easier to start the year out with a lot of rules and become leniant over time, rather than start out leniant and introduce new rules later.
The second idea is that in order to successfully implement differentiated instruction you must go at a pace that is good for you (the teacher.) I always say that being a teacher is like being a hippy. You must be laidback and go-with-the-flow because not everything is going to go the way you plan it. There are always distractions in the classroom and concepts you think your students will get right away may take much more time than anticipated.
The third point that Sandapen makes is something I have commented on already and that is time. When you qare giving the class individual or group based activities make sure that there is enough time give, but not too much where they can easily stray off topic . She mentions to consider the students’ indvidual attention spans when deciding on the amount of time they have to complete an assignment.
The fourth and fifth point both focus on how differentiated instruction is delivered in the classroom. Make sure you treat the students equally or at least appear as though you are, in respect to the tasks they are given. By giving group instructions first and then making your way around the room to deliver individual instructions there is less of a distraction for all of the students.
I think this is an excellent article. For many, differentiated instruction is a very delicate subject and it is important to know how to go about using such a method in your classroom and still pay attention to three crucial aspects: parents, students and of course the teacher.
The article also states that these are five tips of ten so if this is something that interests you there are more tips out there!
Strategies for Managing a Mixed-Abilities Classroom
l’express OUTLOOK
October 30, 2007
