ILP: Differentiated Instruction in the Classroom

For the past couple of months, I have been focusing a lot on how I can utilize the information that I am learning for my individualized learning project of differentiated instruction in my future classroom. I have researched many different strategies and ways that would be applicable to students who are struggling in certain areas or topics in my class, and have found many that have made a good impression on me and a few that have not. The ones that I have found that might be best suitable for my teaching style all kind of revolve around trying to build a foundation for leadership. I want my students to feel confident in their own academic abilities, and once that is accomplished anything will be possible for them!

PhotoCC:jaywillis1

Here are a few of the strategies for teachers that I found came from Education CU-Portland.

1. Design lessons based on students learning ability
2. Group students by shared interest, topic, or ability for assignment
3. Assess students’ learning using formative assessment
4. Manage the classroom to create a safe and supportive environment

Designing lessons based on students ability is a key factor in keeping a student on task while not falling behind or learning something they already know. As a teacher you want to always try to make sure your student is learning new things constantly, while they understand what they are learning at a level that is going to be most appropriate for them.

I feel that grouping students together so that they all can relate to something when it comes to academics is such a good idea. I think that it puts students in more of a comfortable atmosphere when they are around others who are learning in the same way they are. I also feel that groups should be mixed around also, just so that there is no social gap between students.

I like how number 3 includes formative assessment, because this is a very controversial topic in the education world right now. I believe that formative assessment can be beneficial, only if used appropriately and for the students benefit only. It should not be used to determine student academic success nor students abilities. It can be a very good tool to use for teachers to kind of see where a student is standing, which can provide a foundation for differentiated instruction!

Managing your classroom to make sure that it is a safe and supportive environment can be a hard task if you do not prepare yourself. I haven’t quite experienced handling my own classroom yet, but I have observed many and can see how easily it can get out of control! I don’t really think there is one “right” way to run a classroom, but as a teacher you can always make sure you are supporting your students in any way you can and that they are safe. I am so excited to keep learning about how to create a classroom environment that students will be excited about, while also feeling confident walking out of.

Here is a link below to a website that includes a great map of differentiated instruction!

Building a Foundation