Question 4

Differentiation

Not one student is the same, they have different needs and different ways of learning. Differentiation is simply, offering a range of tasks and options to cater for a range of learning needs. Catering for the different ways students think, learn and apply knowledge. So how is this achieved through student centered learning?

The Six Thinking Hats.

The Six Thinking Hats is a systematic method of to help students think in a new and different way, exposing learners to six different styles of thinking, allows them to look at a problem from six different perspectives. These colourful, visual cues can be used to address almost any problem-solving activity and by assigning the different hats students can easily recognise which thinking skill they are using.

Activities can be created based on the hats for groups or individuals. The students can choose different options depending on their ability. In this way a creative, yet dyslexia child, for example, can also be appreciated for their strengths. Grouping children and allowing them to choose from a range of activities and collaborate working towards their strengths and then teaching and supporting each other to learn and develop their weaker areas.

Tic Tac Toe or Think Tac Toe

Tic Tac Toe or Think Tac Toe is a fun strategy that allows students to have choice about they way the want to learn or how they want to present their learnings. The teacher can create a simple tic tac toe chart allocating each square with a different avenue to present their work. If the subject is “planets” for instance the tic tac toe could show the following.

Differentiation is achieved as the students are given a chance to present their findings in a strength of their choice, addressing multiple learning styles. The students can also choose just one tile from the tic tac toe board or can complete three in a row to earn extra credit. The Tic Tac Toe board can be designed according to lesson content, it can also be used at an early finisher activity. The board can be designed with assignments that are below level, on level and above. It can also provide activities that encompass all subjects. The middle tile could even be left blank as a free choice option.

Think-Pair-Share

Think-pair-share is a technique that allows students to think independently, work together, and share their ideas. It’s broken into three steps:

Think - Students think independently about a question or topic.
Pair - Students pair up and discuss their ideas with a partner.
Share - Pairs present their ideas to a small group of the whole class.

Differentiation can happen at any of the three steps. Students who need a boost in the thought portion can be given materials to help them form their thoughts. Teachers can also give consideration to student needs and strengths when making pairs for the second step. A Reading Rockets post suggests being “sensitive to learners' needs (reading skill, attentional skills, language skill) when creating pairs” (Think-Pair-Share, n.d.). Finally, students can be given a choice in how they share their thinking. Some may choose the traditional oral method while others could make slides or a poster. The Think-pair-share activity offers vocal students a chance to present to the class and shier students the chance to have their voices heard in pairs or small groups. “Even a student who is uncomfortable discussing his or her ideas with the whole class still has an audience in this step” (Think, Pair, Share Cooperative Learning Strategy, n.d.).

Personalized Learning

Personalized learning is designed to meet each individual student’s needs. It is a fairly new technique that often takes place in flexible learning environments and incorporates technology in planning and implementation (Cavanagh, 2014). Tasks are often presented in “playlists,” and students are involved in their own assessment and lesson planning (Vargo, 2017). Technology can be used in researching, presenting, and keeping track of progress on the playlists of tasks, all while giving students agency to tailor their learning to their needs. Teachers use technology to monitor students' progress and alter learning plans as needed. The personalized learning approach also gives teachers more time and opportunity to address individual needs in person. While students are working on their lessons in class, teachers can circulate and give one-on-one attention to those who need it most.

Sources:

Cavanagh, S. (2014). What is “Personalized Learning”? Educators Seek Clarity. Education Week, 34(9), 2–7. Retrieved from https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2014/10/22/09pl-overview.h34.html
The De bono Group, LLC. Retrieved Oct 19, 2019 from www.debonogroup.com/six_thinking_hats.php
Dyck, B. (2004). Education world, Put on Your (Six) Thinking Hats. Retrieved October 19, 2019 from https://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/voice/voice102.shtml
Warfield, A. Storyboard That, Six Thinking Hats in the Classroom. Retrieved October 19, 2019 from https://www.storyboardthat.com/blog/e/six-thinking-hats-in-the-classroom
Neal, M. Mandy Neil, Teaching with Simplicity. Differentiated Instruction with Think-Tac-Toe. Retrieved on October 20, 2019 from https://www.teachingwithsimplicity.com/2014/01/differentiated-instruction-with-think-tac-toe.html
Think-Pair-Share. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2019, from Reading Rockets website: https://www.readingrockets.org/strategies/think-pair-share
Think, Pair, Share Cooperative Learning Strategy. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2019, from TeacherVision website: https://www.teachervision.com/group-work/think-pair-share-cooperative-learning-strategy
Webster, J. (2019). ThoughtCo. Think-Tac-Toe: A Strategy for Differentiation. Retrieved on October 20, 2019 from https://www.thoughtco.com/think-tac-toe-strategy-for-differentiation-3110424
Vargo, J. (2017). Six Examples of What Personalized Learning Looks Like. Retrieved October 22, 2019, from Education Elements website: https://www.edelements.com/blog/six-examples-of-what-personalized-learning-looks-like

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse