Differentiating Learning (Instruction)

Differentiating Learning is an essential idea that must be implemented into lesson and unit plans in order to create an effect learning space.  Differentiating Learning or (DI) can be defined as “Differentiation means tailoring instruction to meet individual needs. Whether teachers differentiate content, process, products, or the learning environment, the use of ongoing assessment and flexible grouping makes this a successful approach to instruction”( http://www.readingrockets.org/article/what-differentiated-instruction).   Basically DI is important as every student learns at their own pace, style etc. and by tailoring lessons we can reach every student’s individual needs.

In class we observed three different scenarios that related to differentiating instruction.  We then had to analyse the scenario and identify areas of formative assessment and differentiated instruction.  Each scenario was unique but they all based around one teacher and a math class.  Some of the ways they were able to differentiate the lesson was having students use electronic resources such as an online game called “CLIP”.  Here, each student can use this online tool to meet their specific needs.  For example, a student who is strong and confident in math is able to complete the lessons at perhaps a faster pace or at a slightly higher difficulty.  Moreover, a student who perhaps came from a different educational background can understand their lesson at their own pace that feels comfortable to them.  This eliminates confusion and poor student engagement in the classroom as students individual needs will be met which is not always what happens in a traditional education lesson. 

            In observing the picture above, it can be seen that there are many different types of students in a classroom and obviously not all of them learn in the same manner.  This is why differentiated instruction is important to attempt to meet individual needs.  For example, a student who perhaps just immigrated to Canada may not have English as their first language.  This means that in a math class, not only do they have to learn the math material as everybody else they also have to try and understand it with their second language.  This can become extremely hard for the student as they would have to learn the language and material at the same time .  Moreover, this may lead to them falling behind and feeling overwhelmed in the classroom.  I know there are math lessons and activities online that you are able to change the default language which could make learning math easier to the student in the example.  I think this would be a great idea for students that may have different language abilities. I often look at myself and think how hard it would be for me to learn math in another language as it can be a difficult subject at times.  Differentiated learning is critical to the lesson planning process as it could help students with different needs, backgrounds, language abilities, cultures etc. learn the subject in their own style and pace.