What Does It Mean To Differentiate Classroom Instruction?

Differentiated instruction is not a new concept. In fact, many of the ideas originated from Universal Design. Still, the differentiated movement has really grown of the past decade and is not part of the education lexicon. Define differentiation. What are you thoughts about differentiation and how it can impact your instruction? Do you think that it is reasonable to expect everyone to differentiate instruction? As you answer this question, indicate if you are answering it before or after you have investigated this week's readings.

Can You Give Too Much Choice?

A major component if differentiated instruction is the idea of choice. By providing students with choice about how they want to connect with the content and demonstrate they have met your stated objectives, you are develop a sense of intrinsic motivation. However, is there a limit as to how much choice you can give students? What if your students have never had this much freedom, how do you introduce them to this approach? What are different ideas you can offer students choices that still allow you to direct their learning?

What is Your Teaching and Learning Style?

Now that you have completed the learning and teaching style inventories, provide a description of your results. As you answer this question, describe how your learning style matches up with teaching style. As a teacher, what would you have to differentiate the curriculum for a student with your learning style. In what way would the learning in your classroom change if you modified your teaching style?

Personal Introductions

One of the difficult aspects of an online class is trying to get to know each other. As such, I would like for you to provide a short description about yourself. Describe what you do when you are not teaching, including any hobbies you might have. Also, let me know what you teach and what you hope to get out of this class.