What are your thoughts regarding breaking your class into small groups?
Please review the power point and then answer this 2 discussion. Please label them.
Question 1/
1. I have had very little experience with differentiated instruction. I spent a year substitute teaching and this technique was most used in elementary school. The students would have different times to sit me with me in small groups based on ability levels.
2. Breaking classes into small groups is a great idea. I would definitely incorporate this into my teaching curriculum in order to meet the multiple level of abilities and learning styles of my students. I think that this enhances the educational experience for the student and leads to more successful learning.
3. I might be able to differentiate instruction without breaking the class into small groups by scaffolding and tiering lessons. This would allow me to base my instruction in the classroom without taking time away from the whole class. It would also allow the more advanced students opportunities to express their understanding which in turn benefit those that might be struggling.
4. The tips I learned were to use exit slips and classroom discussions to assess where the students are at in their learning stage. I also learned to differentiate homework assignments to further challenge the student at home.
Question 2/
1. Have you had any experience with differentianated instruction? If so, would you be willing to share that experience with your classmates?
As a student, I remember my teachers speaking candidly about the requirement for differentiated instruction, however I have no experience giving differentiated instruction. As a high school student, my classes were not differentiated. I do remember in first grade, being placed into reading level based small groups.
2. What are your thoughts regarding breaking your class into small groups? Is that a strategy you would be willing to try?
While I am not a teacher, I am very interested in a classroom with small groups. I believe that small groups give the teacher a great opportunity for differentiated instruction. I also believe that this gives the students the opportunity to practice soft skills, such as conflict resolution. I believe that students’ ability to practice these skills are an asset to them in the future.
3. How can you differentiate without breaking the class into small groups?
Utilize tiered activities, based on the educational needs of the students within the class. Also, you could utilize tiered entry points by asking a general question, allowing the student the access the knowledge and the problem at the point that is attainable for the student.
4. Watch the video clip. Copy and paste the link into your browser or click on the web link provided in the chapter 3 module. What tips did you learn from the video clip?
Utilizing differentiated homework assignments, based on what the student needs. Utilizing ongoing assessments, such as exit slips, or classroom discussions to determine where each student is at in acquisition of knowledge.
https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/differentiating-instruction
