Importance Of Differentiation In Teaching

Differentiation Instruction and assessment, or as educators call it, simply, differentiation, is a framework which provides for effective teaching that aids in ensuring students receive unique learning experiences. The objective of this process is that all students will learn, but that there are many avenues to learning. Specifically, in terms of acquiring knowledge and processing content, students vary in abilities. This differentiation in learning abilities is met through the process of differentiation which, by modeling to the student 's learning diversity, allows for teachers to assess and provide teaching experiences that allow for all students to learn effectively. Additionally, students vary even more on personal levels of race,

The theory is that teaching and assessing students as if they were all equal, creates a learning gap brought by the lack of accommodation provided. Furthermore, without knowledge of a student and his/ her needs, how can a teacher truly teach effectively? According to Tomlinson, "the idea of differentiating instruction to accommodate the different ways that students learn involves a hefty dose of common sense, as well as sturdy support in the theory and research of education Tomlinson & Allan, 2000)." Teaching individually to a full classroom is not easy, but neither is it impossible. The key, as noted by Tomlinson, is to know the research and be able to meet the needs of the individual student based on the research, ensuring an active and effective use of teaching resources and time. Teaching requires common sense. This is why it is important to know students on a personal level; supplementing weaknesses and challenge strengths. The theory is that teaching by differentiation is a wholistic approach to, not only the classroom, but the student. In contrast, teaching without differentiation falls under the "one-size fits all" methods which can lead to students struggling to keep up,a focus on grades rather than growth, and a herd mentality instead of individualism, which leads to the success of few and possible "failure" of

They are not just crucial to the teacher, though, they are also important for students. Students should be able to know their progress and take ownership of their individuality in the classroom and grow. To help this, setting times for reflection and goal setting is a great way to further learning and for the teacher to help create lessons and provide products to achieve these goals. To monitor growth, students should assess their growth frequently and use a graph (good for 4th graders!) to measure their continuing growth. As well as setting goals, students should make lists during reflections on ideas of how they can achieve these goals, creating personalized