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Differentiation in Science |
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Differentiation can be one of the most challenging responsibilities of a teacher. With everything you need to do and keep track of, it is important you use differentiation in your classroom strategically. This means going in every day with a gameplan you will use with your learning challenged. Here are a few ideas, both low- and high-preparation, which you can use in your classroom to meet this challenge.
The following are ideas for differentiation which require relatively little preparation, i.e. they are easier to work in with less commitment of time & resources.
Low Preparation Differentiation
- Choices of books
- Homework options
- Varied journal prompts
- Orbitals
- Varied pacing with anchor options
- Student-teacher goal setting
- Work alone or together
- Flexible seating
- Varied computer programs
- Varied supplementary materials
- Options for varied modes of expression
- Varying scaffolding of same organizer
- Let's Make a Deal projects
- Think-Pair-Share by readiness, interest, learning profile
- Use of collaboration, independence & cooperation
- Open-ended activities
- Mini workshops to re-teach or extend skills
- Games to practice mastery of information & skill
- Multiple levels of questions
You can also use techniques which require more involved planning & resources. I would suggest only trying one per semester or 9 weeks... you are going for quality NOT quantity.
High Preparation Differentiation
- Tiered activities/labs
- Tiered products
- Independent studies
- Multiple texts
- Alternative assessments
- Learning contracts
- 4-MAT
- Multiple Intelligence options
- Compacting
- Spelling by readiness
- Entry Points
- Tiered centers
- Interest centers
- Personal agendas
- Literature circles
- Stations
- Complex Instruction
- Tape recorded materials
- Choice Boards
- Think-Tac-Toe
- Simulations
- Problem Based Learning
Implementing any number of these methods will help your classroom to become more inclusive and encourage the more challenged students in your classroom to achieve at their fullest potential.
Tags: differentiation professional development centers workshop tier multiple intelligences |
