Differentiation

Differentiation to me is an acknowledgement that we are different, we all have special needs, we need different support systems. It is also a firm belief in how I see a school which is a place that helps students understand themselves, negotiate the world and get the best out of their learning experience. It is here that students learn about themselves and others. Differentiation for me happens at all ends of the spectrum and through all elements.

Once again, I believe that the best way for you to understand how much I value and how I apply it is through my students work and explanation of how I see the differentiation happening and what I did. Then you can evaluate whether or not I do do differentiation.

I have taught students who are gifted and the challenge there is how to make school meaningful and challenging enough.

I have taught students with reading and study skill difficulties (for various reasons) and I have made it my personal concern to support these students, develop their skills in preparation for a time when they do not have such a caring teacher. (One of my big concerns about high school education is that too many students slip the cracks due to the fact that there are so many teachers and in my experience not enough coordination). I do not want these students spend the rest of their high school years being told they are not trying, not enjoying school and not seeing any point of being at school.

I have taught students who are speech delayed, have ADHD, with autism. Inclusion is something I value very much - as a teacher I have learn learnt so much and for us all, I believe we become better people,. and we become more reflective of who we are. I tried to create fairness in my classes and an atmosphere of professional support between students.

And selfishly, differentiation also makes my job more interesting. I don't want the same essay or work, I want to be inspired by new ideas or inspired by the hope joy and effort I see in my students work.

Below are images of examples with a brief explanation. You can also see more detailed explanations in the pages below connected to larger units of learning.

For. a video overview of project demonstrating differentiation and different learning opportunities in the Antigone project watch here

With support

This student was a weak reader and note-taker. He also was clearly an esl speaker. This work leading up to this essay focused more chronology and develop the study skills and the skills associated with writing.

Process: Radio Plays

At the end, students write individual reports - some simply focusing on themselves and the report writing format and language; others being more critical of the overall process and how to enhance teaching and learning. This is one area where I differentiate the tasks, giving each student individual feedback either in the form of guidance and support, or pushing them to extend themselves beyond the scope of the assessment.

School fails students when it gets boring at all ends of the spectrum. It's boring for those it's too hard for and boring for those who it's too easy for.