Bernie Sammons

University of New England

MATH WITHOUT DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTIONMany of today’s math lesson are logical, sequentially based & offer

very little opportunity for Differentiated Instruction.

A recent Kindergarten Math lesson proceeded as follows: 1. Review addition concepts taught the day before. 2. Introduce purpose of lesson- learn to add numbers between 5 and

10. 3. Show students how to solve problems, using examples on white

board. 4. Clarify level of understanding by having students go to whiteboard

& complete addition problems. 5. Have students complete addition worksheets found in student

workbook.

Typical Kindergarten Math Worksheet

Consequences of Teaching in a Classroom Without Differentiated Instruction

Today, Administrators, Teachers and Parents are all looking for the “cure all” for our nation’s education woes. Because of this, it is amazing that many still refuse, delay or even fight the use of differentiated instruction in the classroom.

Differentiated Instruction allows teachers to address the learning needs and styles of all students when a subject is presented. This allows all students the opportunity to succeed and enjoy individual growth.

Those that choose to delay the implementation of Differentiated Instruction in their classroom, may encounter challenges and difficulties that are reduced or eliminated in a differentiated instruction classroom.

Consequences of Teaching in a Classroom Without Differentiated Instruction-continued

Failure to include differentiated instruction as part of your classroom can result in the following:

1.Lost or overwhelmed students may become frustrated and act out.

2. Students that are bored or disinterested may disrupt the learning of engaged students.

3.Classrooms without DI have lower rates of student success.

4.Classrooms without DI have more interruptions of learning.

5. Non-DI classrooms are often unable to meet the learning needs or learning styles of ALL STUDENTS. (Why is Differentiated Instruction Important?)

The Process for Implementing Differentiated Instruction in the Classroom

Successful differentiated instruction recognizes student language preference, learning style, knowledge background, preferred learning style and acts

responsively and accordingly. Differentiated Instruction allows a teacher to educate all of these various students successfully in the same classroom

setting.

The successful implementation of differentiated instruction in a classroom consists of the following process and elements. (Differentiated Instruction and Implications for UDL Implementation)

Elements of Differentiated Instruction

1.Content- Various forms of materials are presented to students as part of instruction. These include acts, skills, concepts etc.

Alignment of objectives and tasks to desired learning goals, often assessed by both formal tests such as DIBELS, Benchmark testing, etc and informal assessments.

The use of teacher observations, student portfolio’s, informal tests, etc assist in proper alignment of objectives and learning goals.

Instruction is concept focused, concentrating on principles students must learn. All students must learn same concepts, but difficulty should be adjusted to meet the needs of all students.

The Process for Implementing Differentiated Instruction in the Classroom ( Continued)

2. Process- Flexible grouping is a normal part of the classroom. Students work together as they learn a new concept, groups can be taught by teacher or group members. Groups members change regularly depending upon subject, learning style and ability. Classroom management is essential to the process. A teacher must select successful organizational and delivery methods appropriate for their classroom.

Initial and ongoing assessments are essential to successful differentiated instruction. Successful pre-testing allows teachers to vary their approach, student choices, and ways to meet student needs.

During differentiated instruction, students become active and responsible learners. A teacher respects all student learning styles, ensuring that learning tasks are challenging, interesting and educational for all students.

Finally, successful DI varies the ways in which students may express their responses and expectations to a designated principle.

Figure 1. Learning Cycle and Decision Factors Used in Planning and Implementing Differentiated Instruction

(Differentiated Instruction and Implications for UDL Implementation)

Differentiated Instruction, Technology and Effective Math Instruction

Teachers that successfully and effectively use differentiated instruction as part of their classroom, often rely on technology.

Effective differentiated instruction in the math classroom will be greatly enhanced as students learn and explore using technology.

Many consider technology to include things such as:

Computer Games CD Player Elmo Internet Educational Websites Overhead Projectors Whiteboards Calculators Computers DVD player

Technology and the Kindergarten Classroom

In order for kindergarten students to internalize a concept or information, they must receive the information numerous times. Using technology to share this

information with kindergarten students increases student understanding. In addition, it allows students to access information over and over again while also

maintaining student interest and engagement.

The following are examples of how technology can differentiate instruction as part of a math lesson:

Overhead Projector - Use with computer for virtual fieldtrips, math worksheet review, whole class instruction.Television- Can be used to show educational videos, examples of principles taught.Smartboard- Interactive whiteboard students can use to demonstrate or share knowledge.Leapfrog Products- Educational software used to strengthen math & literacy skills

(Technology in Kindergarten)

Technology, Differentiated Instruction and effective classroom instruction.

The goal of all effective teachers is to reach their students in such a way that all enjoy success in the classroom.

Whether differentiated instruction includes technology such as whiteboards, calculators, internet sites or computers, all of these will help maintain student interest and engagement.

Successful differentiated instruction includes various ways of presenting information to students. Technology, Skittles, color tiles, Fruit Loops are examples of using various methods and materials to teach students about patterns, odd-even numbers, counting by 2’s, 5’s, 10’s etc.

The signs of successful DI include increased student understanding, engagement, and increased student self confidence.

References

1. Why is Differentiated Instruction Important?(2012). Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/about_6390882_differentiated-instruction-important_.html

2. Differentiated Instruction and Implications for UDL Implementation (2009). Retrieved from http://aim.cast.org/learn/historyarchive/backgroundpapers/differentiated_instruction_udl

3. Technology in Kindergarten (2012). Retrieved from http://schoolcomputing.wikia.com/wiki/Technology_in_Kindergarten