To sum up my perspective of differentiation and my view of its place in my class is not an easy or simple statement. My own personal experience with differentiation during my school years is a testament to its importance and assistance it provides the learner. I have a learning disability that until one teacher in my 10th grade year noticed held me back in my education. Once discovered and properly diagnosed my grades improved greatly and my desire to progress increased. I moved from an average student to the top of the class through assistance and tools provided by my teachers and family (my twin brother was aslo diagnosed at the same time and he increased at the same rate as I did). My teachers didn't lower the bar but allowed for adjustments that changed my experience. Tomlinson states that "Learning is hard work. People learn better when they feel valued and supported. To value and support learners, we must know them. We honor learners by caring for them as they are and simultaneously expecting more of them. People learn differently...teachers must teach flexibly." I am a living testament to these words. I can make a difference with my students by putting in the effort to care for and expect more of every student I have the privileged to work with.
I can make a difference each and every day through differentiation.
Friday, April 25, 2014
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Creating a Useful Toolbox
I love to use tools to build different things. I have a lot of interesting tools that are used for specific jobs. One of my new favorite tools is a drain pipe cutter, this makes fitting old pipes with new pipes as easy as putting a Lego kit together. My wife has made many offhanded remarks about my need for tools as she didn't understand how the correct tool makes the job go better and the finished product much nicer. It took her using one of my specialty tools for her to realize this point.
What do tools have to do with teaching? When we started the Education program each of us began with a new toolbox that was virtually empty. Some of us may have had a single tool or even a few small tools in our box ready to be used in the classroom. UVU then began to provide tools that we as teachers will need and use daily as a teacher. One of the most important tool to date is that of understanding differentiation and how it can change a classroom. This is a specialty tool just like my drain pipe cutter. It allows for the proper fitting of curriculum and the students abilities with out having to scrap the entire lesson.
Just like a new tool if you do not know how to use the tool it becomes less effective and eventually discarded. The only way to know the proper way to use the tools we have is through proper reading of the manual then using the tool in a practical application. Differentiation is no different, you must learn how to use it properly then use it. One of my class mates posted a differentiation map that I think is a great reminder of how to use the tool. This is important and will change lives!
What do tools have to do with teaching? When we started the Education program each of us began with a new toolbox that was virtually empty. Some of us may have had a single tool or even a few small tools in our box ready to be used in the classroom. UVU then began to provide tools that we as teachers will need and use daily as a teacher. One of the most important tool to date is that of understanding differentiation and how it can change a classroom. This is a specialty tool just like my drain pipe cutter. It allows for the proper fitting of curriculum and the students abilities with out having to scrap the entire lesson.
Just like a new tool if you do not know how to use the tool it becomes less effective and eventually discarded. The only way to know the proper way to use the tools we have is through proper reading of the manual then using the tool in a practical application. Differentiation is no different, you must learn how to use it properly then use it. One of my class mates posted a differentiation map that I think is a great reminder of how to use the tool. This is important and will change lives!
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Make A Difference
I love spending time with kids and watching how easily they take the hand they were dealt and make it the best hand ever. I have been reflecting on what makes a good teacher and with out a doubt in my mind it is one that plans each and every lesson or activity with their students in mind. One of the students I work with has had a difficult upbringing and yet they are happy. I think its time that we all have a little pep-talk.
We are all students, we are all Teachers, and we can make a difference.
We are all students, we are all Teachers, and we can make a difference.
Monday, April 21, 2014
Pave the Road
The Teaching profession is not for the faint of heart nor is it an easy job. Many have gone before us and provided us a road map that may lead us to a goal but not every map leads us to our goal. Every teacher has reflected upon those that made a difference in their life and we often want to emulate what we have seen or experienced. This is a great goal but doesn't get us to our own goal of effecting the students we teach. We must find our own path that leads to success. I have often thought of the many different teachers that prepared me for this task and wondered what makes them great. The only answer I can think of is they love teaching but most importantly the love the students.
Teaching is not an easy job. We will face disappointment, heart break, and sorrow along our way but we will ultimately find satisfaction in knowing that we can and do make a difference in the lives of our students. We are paving the way for the future CEO, fathers, mothers, presidents, inventors, and protectors of our nation and world. We can and will make a difference whether good or bad we will make a difference. Every student is different. Every life is different. We can not assume that if we plan a lesson it will be received the same by each student. If there is one thing that we need to know its that we must be willing to adjust, adapt, and differentiate for our students based upon their needs. If we had the time we would teach every student their own lesson but that not reasonable. We can and should make accommodation and adjustments for the one who needs it. That is the definition of caring. Love your students enough to help them succeed.
Teaching is caring.
Teaching is hard work.
Teaching is love.
Teaching is long nights.
Teaching is worth every ounce of sweat and tears that come.
Teaching is a worthy and honorable calling.
Teaching is Differentiation
Pave the road for every student not just the ones that fit in a tidy mold. It will change their life and yours at the same time.
Teaching is not an easy job. We will face disappointment, heart break, and sorrow along our way but we will ultimately find satisfaction in knowing that we can and do make a difference in the lives of our students. We are paving the way for the future CEO, fathers, mothers, presidents, inventors, and protectors of our nation and world. We can and will make a difference whether good or bad we will make a difference. Every student is different. Every life is different. We can not assume that if we plan a lesson it will be received the same by each student. If there is one thing that we need to know its that we must be willing to adjust, adapt, and differentiate for our students based upon their needs. If we had the time we would teach every student their own lesson but that not reasonable. We can and should make accommodation and adjustments for the one who needs it. That is the definition of caring. Love your students enough to help them succeed.
Teaching is caring.
Teaching is hard work.
Teaching is love.
Teaching is long nights.
Teaching is worth every ounce of sweat and tears that come.
Teaching is a worthy and honorable calling.
Teaching is Differentiation
Pave the road for every student not just the ones that fit in a tidy mold. It will change their life and yours at the same time.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Differentiation is High-quality Teaching
When a teacher understands and applies the skill of differentiation they embrace the idea that every student will be taught from and in the same lesson. This does not mean that the we require every student to complete the tasks with the same level of understanding, quality, or standard but rather we asses the students according to their skills and abilities.
We must respect the students, listen to them, help them with their issues or problems, share in their lives, and empathize with and towards them. Our students come to class believing they will learn and that we care enough about them to teach them what is vital for their success in not only the school year but their life.
Teachers that care and demonstrate their love for their students provide tools for success that foster a warm and supportive classroom enticing them into learning and wonder. This takes time and energy and must be motivated by the desire to help each student to succeed. Teaching and learning both have the same level of difficulty. We are faced with the same challenges the students are. The difference is that we are on one side of the glass window and they are on the other side. When we open the window and share what we know both parties grow closer together a share in the success that is learning.
Not every student will allow us to reach the point of mutual growth. Some will resist the desire to learn but that doesn't mean we give up. It is our burden to carry. We must continue to try! Some of the most rewarding experiences that will be had while we teach is when we reach that one student that has been resistant in the past to others assistance.
We can reach every student its just a matter of how. Differentiation is the way!
We must respect the students, listen to them, help them with their issues or problems, share in their lives, and empathize with and towards them. Our students come to class believing they will learn and that we care enough about them to teach them what is vital for their success in not only the school year but their life.
Teachers that care and demonstrate their love for their students provide tools for success that foster a warm and supportive classroom enticing them into learning and wonder. This takes time and energy and must be motivated by the desire to help each student to succeed. Teaching and learning both have the same level of difficulty. We are faced with the same challenges the students are. The difference is that we are on one side of the glass window and they are on the other side. When we open the window and share what we know both parties grow closer together a share in the success that is learning.
Not every student will allow us to reach the point of mutual growth. Some will resist the desire to learn but that doesn't mean we give up. It is our burden to carry. We must continue to try! Some of the most rewarding experiences that will be had while we teach is when we reach that one student that has been resistant in the past to others assistance.
We can reach every student its just a matter of how. Differentiation is the way!
Monday, March 17, 2014
The Wonder of Graphic Organizers for Differentiation
One of the most spectacular tools teachers have at their disposal is the use of graphic organizers. Every subject that is presented has the ability to be differentiated. If we ask our students to use a graphic organizer we have many different options when it comes to differentiation.
1) Assistance from their peers.
When appropriate teachers may ask that one student work along side another in an attempt to complete their graphic organizer. This provides both a learning and mentoring environment benefiting both parties.
2) Assistance from the teacher.
Some activities may lend to the teacher assisting a student in completing their graphic organizer. This may be best when a student needs the additional personal instruction to understand a concept.
3) An Answer sheet.
Though this is not the best option in all cases it may be appropriate based upon the student.
As a teacher we know the tools each student should know we often forget about the tools that help us teach. Differentiation tools change by the day based upon the students and their abilities.
1) Assistance from their peers.
When appropriate teachers may ask that one student work along side another in an attempt to complete their graphic organizer. This provides both a learning and mentoring environment benefiting both parties.
2) Assistance from the teacher.
Some activities may lend to the teacher assisting a student in completing their graphic organizer. This may be best when a student needs the additional personal instruction to understand a concept.
3) An Answer sheet.
Though this is not the best option in all cases it may be appropriate based upon the student.
As a teacher we know the tools each student should know we often forget about the tools that help us teach. Differentiation tools change by the day based upon the students and their abilities.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Maximizing Each Lesson
Because Curriculum and instruction are the vehicle used to respond to the students and their needs teachers need to focus their attention ensuring each lesson is important, focused,
engaging, demanding and scaffolded to the students ensuring the maximum
likelihood that each learner and student will obtain the content being
taught.
To show students how each lesson is important start your lessons by telling them what you what them to know, what they need to understand, and how the topic relates to their education. Once you are sure the students have the same vision of what you want them to know you can focus your attention on the important aspects of the curriculum being taught.
Move the students attention to the essential learning goals outlined in the lesson. By ensuring their focus is now on the learning goals you ensure that the lesson doesn't get off on a tangent but is clear and directed towards the goal. This will motivate the students and teacher to learn the key concepts.
One of the most difficult things we do is to ensure the lesson is engaging. If we plan accordingly we can create excitement for even the most mundane subject. How? Provide choices for learning that support discovery. Find activities, songs, videos, or real world examples that provide the students a connection to the content. Ask questions that engage the students. Spur conversation that supports the curriculum and instruction.
It is vital that each lesson provides the students with the ability to stretch their understanding. We must ensure that our students know they can gain the information being taught if they attempt to reach for knowledge. You must know your students and support them in their pursuit of knowledge.
When we know and understand our students it becomes easier to require and even demand work that is suited to their own abilities and goals. This is different for each student but can be done by using all the tools in our toolbox. Using graphic organizers, group work, modeling, and other strategies we adjust the requirements to suit the student and class with out sacrificing the curriculum and instruction.
To show students how each lesson is important start your lessons by telling them what you what them to know, what they need to understand, and how the topic relates to their education. Once you are sure the students have the same vision of what you want them to know you can focus your attention on the important aspects of the curriculum being taught.
Move the students attention to the essential learning goals outlined in the lesson. By ensuring their focus is now on the learning goals you ensure that the lesson doesn't get off on a tangent but is clear and directed towards the goal. This will motivate the students and teacher to learn the key concepts.
One of the most difficult things we do is to ensure the lesson is engaging. If we plan accordingly we can create excitement for even the most mundane subject. How? Provide choices for learning that support discovery. Find activities, songs, videos, or real world examples that provide the students a connection to the content. Ask questions that engage the students. Spur conversation that supports the curriculum and instruction.
It is vital that each lesson provides the students with the ability to stretch their understanding. We must ensure that our students know they can gain the information being taught if they attempt to reach for knowledge. You must know your students and support them in their pursuit of knowledge.
When we know and understand our students it becomes easier to require and even demand work that is suited to their own abilities and goals. This is different for each student but can be done by using all the tools in our toolbox. Using graphic organizers, group work, modeling, and other strategies we adjust the requirements to suit the student and class with out sacrificing the curriculum and instruction.
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