Strategies for Success:
1) Have a strong rationale for differentiation instruction based on student readiness, interest and learning profile:
2) Give students as much responsibility for their learning as possible:
3) Time differentiated activities to support student success:
4) Make a plan for students to turn work in:
5) Create and deliver instructions carefully:
6) Minimize "stray" movement, monitor noise level, and promote on-task behaviour:
- It is important that teachers outline the reasons as to why they are moving to differentiated instruction, and explain to the students and parents (based on evidence), where the child fits in. This will help alleviate any confusion parents/students may have with new process of instruction. (247)
2) Give students as much responsibility for their learning as possible:
- This strategy will allow students to take ownership of their learning. More specifically, students will learn to be more independent within a classroom environment. Some of the tasks include: passing out folders, engaging students in discussion of the rationale for procedures of the class, critiquing others' work and keeping records of their own work. (253)
3) Time differentiated activities to support student success:
- In order for teachers to maximize student success, they must create tasks where 1) time allotted for a task should be a bit shorter than the attention span of students, 2) advanced learners (students with a strong interest or ability) are allowed a longer period of time with those interests. (248)
4) Make a plan for students to turn work in:
- Receiving work from students who are working on multiply things can be a very difficult task for teachers. Therefore, one technique that will alleviate this struggle is designating a "expert of the day" to look over and review the quality of the students work. If the work meets the criteria, then that student can hand it in. If the "expert" feels more work needs to be done, the student must review the work. (252)
5) Create and deliver instructions carefully:
- With so much going on in the class, it is up to the teacher to provide clear, concise instructions to all students. Some of the ways teachers can deliver these instructions include :
- giving task cards
- creating assignment sheet
- assigning seating purposefully
- seeking out responsible students, then allowing them to share the directions
- plan for students getting help when you are otherwise occupied (ask another student/group)
- implement an activity for students with completed work so you can focus attention on other students
- have a system for transitions and closure (could also teach students to move furniture when necessary to decrease transition time)
- tape recorded directions (250)
6) Minimize "stray" movement, monitor noise level, and promote on-task behaviour:
- DI allows for students to be working on multiply things throughout a day. As a result, teachers must create and maintain a classroom structure that slows down stray movement. If students finish work early, they may feel as though they have ability to roam the room and chat with neighboring friends. As a result, teachers must keep the kids moving/working and feeling productive. (252)