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Differentiated instruction is a way of teaching that recognizes variations in learning styles among students. Because not every student learns the same way, the theory of differentiated instruction provides multiple avenues for understanding the material. Classrooms are diverse environments; differentiated learning theory suggests that for students with mixed abilities to learn, the teacher must adjust both the curriculum and presentation of the curriculum to match that diversity.

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EditSteps

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    Assess your students' level of ability.
    • Check the records of your students to determine their starting abilities and past educational experiences.
    • Test the students using a standardized assessment to see where they stand according to district and state requirements.
    • Find out any learning or physically disabilities that your students might have. For example, a student might be dyslexic, hard of hearing, or fall somewhere on the Autism spectrum.
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    Examine your students' interests.
    • Get to know your students to determine what types of activities they enjoy, what they are good and bad at, and what motivates them in the classroom.
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    Evaluate your curriculum and standards.
    • Know what tests and activities must be performed in order for students to graduate from your class. Understand the units and themes that must be taught.
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    Employ direct instruction.
    • Use this structured approach for teaching traditional students. Direct instruction involves lecturing straight to the students, usually at the front of the classroom with the aid of a blackboard. This is a mostly auditory experience, but you can add visuals as well. Direct instruction is the quickest method of teaching, but it tends to leave students with non-traditional abilities behind.
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    Use the inquiry-based learning model.
    • Apply this strategy to develop critical thinking skills in your students. Inquiry-based learning puts the student in a detective-like role, forcing them to figure out problems and come up with strategies on their own. The discovery process of inquiry-based learning is largely done with minimal help from the instructor.
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    Try cooperative learning.
    • Create groups of students with mixed abilities. For example, a student who is especially good with reading and visual learning should be grouped with a more tactile learner. Give the groups a task and have them figure out how to work with each other and adjust to the diverse abilities of their peers.
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    Teach information processing strategies.
    • Enlighten students on how to organize their homework and other educational priorities. Teach brainstorming and webbing, memorization and comprehensive. Students must learn how to process information before they can effectively learn.
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    Create activities to match students' styles and abilities.
    • Mold classroom activities according to your students' diversity. For example, if you have a number of Spanish-speaking students, create activities that include bilingual usage. Or if you have a student who is easily distracted, provide a hands-on, fun activity for him or her.
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    Determine how to authentically assess the students.
    • Make a test that is aligned with your curriculum standards but also includes the information provided to your students through differentiated learning. The assessment should measure the students' improvement but be flexible enough to cater to mixed-ability students.
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Categories: Education and Communications

Recent edits by: BR, Music Student

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