As my understanding of this week’s question, we are to examine 5 elements of differentiated instruction created by our findings throughout this course. A large portion of my undergrad was specifically on DI plus the addition of this course means I have had a lot of interaction studying DI. Based on my research the five elements of DI are as follows:
Element 2 has been stated in many readings. Students need to process the information to make connections and find meaning. Differentiated instruction helps support this by giving students the necessary tools or strategies. In the table from the blog, Tool Box for Planning Rigorous Instruction, it explains process as, “how the learner interacts with the material presented. It involves methods of presenting material, activities, thinking processes, and questions asked (Essential Elements, 2010). Element 3 is often explained as the product. In my perspective I think we should focus a lot on if the goal is attainable and was the goal met. When we keep in mind the goal and not the product, we are able to see growth for what actually matters instead of losing sight of the goal. Element 4: using data- is my most recent study about DI. Week 9 we focused on our assessments and how this will guide our unit. When I actually plan step by step my assessments and why I am using those assessments I am able to see how I’m providing DI (or lack of). The readings I used in my blog gave detailed explanations of why we need to incorporate a variety of assessments. If we can gauge our student’s knowledge on more than just a paper-written test, then we are reaching parts of their brain that supports their understanding. Element 5 is the learning environment. I know I cannot learn in a white wall, cold, plain room. The library, cafe, or home supports my learning because of the environment. All students need an environment that encourages creativity and exploration. Week 8 we focused on brain-based learning and I gained a lot of insight from the research I did during that week. I am confident that I have a great classroom environment to support different types of learning, but there is still room for growth. Learning environemnt isn’t just what you put (or don’t put) on your walls, but your minute-by-minute actions. I can set my students up for a great activity or a very unproductive activity based on the way I change and shift the atmosphere. These elements were touched on, some more than others, in my lesson. I am focusing a lot on data to steer my lesson (both individual and as a class). My pre-test is going to be used to see where students are at with their money understanding so that I can keep the content within their individual ZPD. Money is relatively easy to connect and find meaning, but I am going even further with this and making sure all my lessons are something they can relate to in their own lives. Element 3 and 5 (goals clear and attainable/learning environment) are strategically placed throughout the unit. They are more fluid and shown through the assignments I give, the way I explain concepts, and students performance ability. Essential Elements of Differentiated Instruction. 2010. Retrieved from https://tpri.wikispaces.com/Essential+Elements+of+Differentiated+Instruction
3 Comments
Kendra Wollert
3/31/2017 08:50:35 am
Jules, It's hard to read this week's reflections without having perused a colleagues UbD unit and understand the reflection. I know it would be hard from what I wrote in my reflection, yet I attached my unit at the bottom just in case someone had an extra 15 min. to read it (ha!). Needless to say, I like how you wrote yours. My morning breakfast was more enjoyable you might say.
Reply
Shauna Scudero
4/2/2017 06:12:08 pm
Jules,
Reply
4/1/2017 12:49:19 pm
I am planning to use “clickers” for my unit to assist with formative assessments. But I can’t help but state that for years I have developed a keen eye to identify areas of struggle with students learning of math, and I am very observant during lessons. Is it necessary to have formative assessments then? I can describe to students common mistakes, and misconceptions to avert issues with learning during lessons. It will be a new experience for me while I teach this unit to use these clickers. I feel like I’m getting old when you young teachers describe your teaching training and they didn’t have those sort of topics like differentiated instruction when I went to school years ago! You are lucky to begin your teaching career with so many resources at your fingertips and the support via social media or instant distance communication like Skype. It’s an amazing time. Sounds like you are very welled trained! Good luck with your unit. :-)
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Author2nd Grade teacher at Keet Gooshi Heen in Sitka, Alaska Archives
April 2017
Categories |