The Differentiated Instruction Mind-set
It is true: even though we’ve all had teachers we didn’t
like, they all differentiated in some way, shape, or form. This could have been
when a teacher rephrased a question, provided a second example of a concept to
help understand, grouped students by interests at tables, etc… Differentiated
instruction provides students the opportunity to learn in the way that best
suits them. Isn’t that how it ought to be? I will give my students options when
it comes to projects; for example, writing a paper, making a poster, making a
movie, doing a skit, etc… That way they can do what they feel will help them
understand the material in the best way. The book mentioned, “Some tests are
about procedures and processes, most tests are about essential understandings—knowledge,
concepts, and skills—not how students came to the information.” While I agree
with the fact tests should be about essential understandings including knowledge,
concepts, and skills, I would not agree that it doesn’t matter how students
came to the information. The book discussed whether or not select students
should be given a graphic organizer to help them with a class. While I think
this way of achieving information is absolutely acceptable, I want my students
to work towards finding answers rather than getting the information handed to
them. I believe one of the best ways to learn is to fail and then get the
answer. That was the kind of student I was: have a hard time understanding the concept
the first time and then work hard to figure out what I did wrong and get the
right answer.
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