Choose Your Adventure: Exploring Differentiation in Action

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Differentiation Instructional Concepts

Challenges to Teaching and Learning

Strategies to Support ALL Learners

Supporting References

Welcome to this experiment in sharing. During some live sessions, I will facilitate an exploration by educators about topics on Differentiation. They will range from pedegogical practices to instructional decisions for supporting all learners in deep learning experiences. The participants will drive the directions we take along this journey based on what their questions and needs are. The list below serves two purposes: allows participants to take a deeper dive into the resources based on participant questions; and encourage others to explore their own burning questions without having to wait.

Learn more about Differentiation from my Supporting References listed at the bottom. Or follow and contact me on Twitter and Instagram.

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Differentiation Instructional Concepts

• Intuitive & Intentional Differentiation
• Equity vs Equality What is fair for each learner is not always using the same materials and tools.
  • Equity vs. Equality: 6 Steps Toward Equity
  • Equity for English-Language Learners
  • The Warm Demander: An Equity Approach
• Crossroad Lessons
• 3-Dimensional Differentiation
• Assessments: Academic – Interests & Preferences – Community Background
• Student Led vs Teacher Led
• Student Voice vs Choice
• Internal vs External Thinker Needs
• Wait Time and Think Time

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Challenges to Teaching and Learning

1. Differentiation is not possible
2. Time crunch
3. Too many students
4. Top Down Directives
5. Learners with significant gaps in skills or background
6. Mixed-Skill Classroom
7. Gifted Learner Needs
8. Second Language Learner
9. Special Education Needs

Related References:

1. Myth-Busting Differentiated Instruction: 3 Myths and 3 Truths
2. There’s No Time to Differentiate: Myth Busting DI, Part 2
3. Differentiating is just too difficult: Myth-Busting DI Part III
4. Teachers Are in Control: Myth-Busting DI Part IV

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Strategies to Support ALL Learners

Resource 1: So All Can Learn – Practical
Resource 2: OP – Curated Tools

• Think Dots (Template: Word – Google Doc)
• Think-Tac-Toe
• Think Dice (US – EU)
• Task Cards
• Learning Menus (video example)
• RAFTs (Template)
• Window Activity
• Centers and Stations
• Learning Contracts
• Curriculum Compacting (Support from NAGC)
• Social Media Tools (List): Products (Artifacts) – Processing
• Open Educational Resources – Article & List

Protocols

• Gallery Walks (video): Critique – Constructing Learning
• Save the Last Word for Me – Say Something – 3 Levels of Text
  –Supporting resources
• Affinity Mapping
• Making Meaning
• Socratic Seminar: article – video: one & two
• Fishbowl – (video)
• Chalk Talk (video example)
• Harkness (Spider Web) Discussion (video – disclaimer: this is NOT a 60 second strategy)

Assessments

• Rubrics: 4 Column or Single Column (article) – Criteria Checklist
• Exit & Entrance Cards: “The Best No” (video)
• Student Choice or Student Designed
• Eliminating Assessment Fog
  • Part 1
  • Part 2

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Supporting References
Find some of the above resources and more at these useful treasure of teaching and learning tools:

• Facing History and Ourselves (resource list)
• National School Reform Faculty (protocol list)
• Harvard Graduate School (pdf list)
• So All Can Learn.org: Practical & Conceptual
• OpeningPaths.org – Curated Tools
• Publications
• Book: So All Can Learn: A Practical Guide to Differentiation by John McCarthy, EdS