Differentiation
Isn't it funny how all your students are exactly the same? Oh. Wait. They're not!
Then why treat them all alike?
Chances are you don't. To some extent, we all practice differentiation - customizing the class, instruction, and assignments to the individual needs of students. It's important to find reading material that is appropriate for all students. Some students do better at tasks that tap into kinetic or visual learning styles. Some projects have a variety of topic options - so that students can choose something that interests them.
These are all simple examples of how to differentiate some part of instruction and help each student succeed. You could differentiate according to a student's readiness level (his or her ability), interest, or learning style. The question is "How?"
Sometimes supervisors and department chairs don't like what we do. It lacks a flashy education name, so it's not "real" differentiation. Enter the "Differentiation" section - a series of activities and methods that will help you differentiate different parts of your classroom. Best of all, they will help you shut up that pesky evaluator of record.
Featured Article: RAFT Activity
One problem in differentiation is trying to figure out who should do what. Sure, you could meticulously organize groups and assignments, but that's a lot of work! Why do that, when the students can do it for themselves?
A RAFT assignment sets out a bunch of parameters for students. They make a few choices, and voila! They've got an individualized assignment to complete.
RAFT stands for Role, Audience, Format, and Topic. You come up with a number of options for each aspect of the assignment, throw them in a table, and let the students start choosing. Read the full article: RAFT Activity.
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