Understanding Differentiation in the Classroom at Coleg Powys
Differentiation in the classroom at Coleg Powys focuses on identifying and accommodating different learning styles, exploring barriers to learning, and incorporating strategies to teach individuals effectively. The session emphasizes habits of mind like listening with empathy, thinking flexibly, and remaining open to continuous learning. Knowing your learners, self-assessment of learning styles, and the importance of differentiation in teaching individuals are key components discussed. The goal is to ensure that all learners have equal opportunities to learn and succeed.
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Coleg Powys Facilitators Sian Giles Elizabeth Phillips
Coleg Powys Differentiation in the classroom Aims By the end of this session you will be aware of the need for differentiation within your classroom. Objectives By the end of this session you will be able to: Identify different learning styles Explore your understanding of differentiation Identify barriers to learning that require differentiation in practice. Incorporate strategies which will enable you to teach individuals.
Coleg Powys Differentiation in the classroom Habits of Mind Listening with Understanding and Empathy Thinking Flexibly Remaining Open to Continuous Learning Understand Others! Devoting mental energy to another person s thoughts and ideas; holding in abeyance one s own thoughts in order to perceive another s point of view. Look at it another way! Being able to change perspective, generate alternatives, consider options Learn from your own experiences! Having humility and pride when admitting we don t know; resisting complacency.
Coleg Powys Differentiation in the classroom Know your learners Revisit application/enrolment forms for each learner to identify; a) Specific learning needs (does a Statement of Need follow the learner?) b) Health problems c) Looked after child d) Educated otherwise e) Cultural/language differences Check Maths and English assessment results (BKSB) Be aware of each learners preferred learning style (print out along with assessment results. Identify any potential barriers to learning and inform Learning Support Coordinator on relevant site.
Coleg Powys Differentiation in the classroom Task 1 Self Assessment Identify your own learning style. Objective To acknowledge differentiation within the group. Complete questionnaire on Your learning style (Know yourself before you know your learners)
Differentiation What and How? Differentiation is not new, good teachers have always done it. Once we teachers taught subjects and classes. But no more. Now we are teaching individuals. Differentiation is an approach to teaching that attempts to ensure that all learners learn well, despite their differences. Now education is a ladder, and we expect every learner to climb as fast and as high as they are able. Drop outs are seen as a wasted opportunity, for the learners and for society as a whole. Coleg Powys
Coleg Powys Differentiation in the classroom Task 2 Snowballing to explore individual and group understanding of differentiation. In pairs write your definition of differentiation on a post note Participants combine with another pair to revise their definition. Groups of four combine with another group of four to revise their final definition . Each group to write their definition on a flip chart. Compare definitions and discuss 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Coleg Powys Differentiation in the classroom Theorists definitions Differentiation is ..... The process of identifying , with each learner, the most effective strategies for achieving agreed targets (Weston 1992) Differentiation is the process by which teachers meet the needs for progress through the curriculum by selecting appropriate teaching methods to match individual students learning strategies, within a group situation. (Visser 1993) Differentiation should be seen as integral to learning , not an add on for those situations when things do not go as well as planned and problems occur. Differentiation is not about trouble shooting . It is a concept that has to be seen in an inclusive way, applying to every one (Geoff Petty)
Differentiation in the classroom Barriers to Learning within the classroom Coleg Powys Specific learning difficulties - dyslexia Sight impairment Motivation Different learning styles Age Prior learning experiences Hearing impairment Assuming all learn in the same way Preferred learning style
Coleg Powys Differentiation in the classroom Barriers to Learning Strategies for differentiation Specific learning difficulties - dyslexia Different coloured overlays/paper. Integrate Learning Support into the classroom Appropriate use of direct questioning. Use higher-order Q & A Handouts/Worksheet appropriate size fonts. Seating position within class/workshop. Accessibility Wizard for computer use. Seating position within class/workshop. Face learner when talking. Use group work so peers can support each other. Small bite size tasks to keep learner engaged. Positive feedback Appropriate worksheets/handouts. Communication disorders (Asperger Syndrome) Sight impairment Hearing impairment Prior learning experiences Motivation - Age Preferred learning style Use different learning styles, Visual, Auditory, Kinaesthetic. Use different learning styles. Be aware of spiky profiles. Assuming all learn in the same way
Differentiation: How to do it Use high-order Q&A: why? how? & which? questions. Set different tasks. Use: ability groups help sheets and writing frames extension tasks, or grade criteria + targets Graduate tasks e.g. from easy to hard on a worksheet. Use Bloom s Taxonomy and mix Mastery and Developmental tasks Set open tasks, because stronger students interpret these in a more demanding way. Expect more from the more able students. Use teaching methods that differentiate well, e.g. require all students to participate, and all students to carry out thought provoking tasks, Differentiate by task; outcome; and time allowed Differentiate resources: e.g. use texts of different depth, breadth, and difficulty Differentiate time allowed by: Resource Based Learning Independent learning Mastery Learning Accommodate Learning styles. Visual, aural, & Kinesthetic Right and left brain Honey and Mumford etc Accommodate different preferences & support- needs Integrate Learning Support into your classes Use ILT to give support) Buddy up students who can help each other. E.g. one who can write and one who can t. The buddy needs some training can help each other. E.g. one who can write and one who can t. (TheBuddy needs some training) Use group work so that peers can support each other Make explicit use of for e.g. peer checking peer tutoring learning teams Differentiate feedback, then set individual tasks & targets Develop Generic skills by : Feedback proformas Teaching skills with both Process and Product Use self-assessment and ask students to set themselves targets Use group work so that peers can support each other Use Medal and Mission feedback Reduce the need for differentiation by: Accurate initial guidance Curriculum Audit (See Topic 1 of the Inclusive Learning Quality Initiative materials)
Coleg Powys Differentiation in the classroom Aims By the end of this session you will be able to implement differentiation within your classroom. Objectives By the end of this session you will be able to: Identify different learning styles Explore your understanding of differentiation Identify barriers to learning that require differentiation in practice. Incorporate strategies which will enable you to teach individuals.
