Alternative (Differentiated) Teaching

Summary

The co-teaching approach with differentiated instruction involves one teacher managing a large group while another focuses on a small group for specific learning needs. This method offers flexibility for enrichment, remediation, or pre-teaching, allowing personalized instruction. Teachers can address individual student needs, ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment where all students feel supported and understood.

Takeaways

• 👨‍🏫 Co-teaching involves two teachers managing students in different group sizes, with roles that can be switched.
• 📚 Alternative Differentiated Instruction is used to separate a small group for specific teaching purposes.
• 🔄 It can be used for remediation, enrichment, assessment, or pre-teaching to cater to individual learning needs.
• 🤝 The approach allows for instructional flexibility and can include behavior modification to support students.
• 🧩 Teachers can reteach concepts or provide different methods of instruction to better connect with struggling students.
• 🔑 Personalized instruction is key, with teachers adjusting their approach based on the student's needs and learning style.
• 🤔 Students may question why they are chosen for small group instruction, but it's important to create a non-stigmatizing environment.
• 🌐 A safe classroom environment is emphasized, where all students understand the purpose of different teaching methods.
• 📈 This approach should be used occasionally to boost performance, not as a regular practice that could label students.
• 👂 Small groups allow for better student-teacher connections, making students feel heard and safe to ask questions.
• 👍 Co-teaching with differentiated instruction is beneficial for teachers to identify and fill gaps in student learning.

Q & A

What is the co-teaching approach described in the script?

The co-teaching approach described is a form of differentiated instruction where one teacher manages a large group while another focuses on a smaller group for specific instructional purposes. The roles can be switched between a resident and a mentor.

How can alternative differentiated instruction be used in a classroom?

Alternative differentiated instruction can be used to separate a small group of students from the whole class to either teach the same content in a different way or provide intervention for those who haven't grasped a concept, or for enrichment for those who have and need to go further.

What are the benefits of using this co-teaching approach?

The benefits include instructional flexibility, the ability to provide enrichment or remediation, assessment, pre-teaching, and alternative methods for lesson input. It also allows for personalized instruction to meet individual student needs.

Why might a teacher choose to teach a concept in a small group setting?

A teacher might choose to teach a concept in a small group setting to provide a different perspective or method of learning, especially if a student is struggling with the concept or if a different teacher has a stronger connection with the student.

How can teachers avoid students feeling labeled or stigmatized when using this approach?

Teachers should pull students for a variety of purposes to prevent any one group from feeling singled out. They should also communicate that all students have different needs and that the classroom is a safe environment for learning.

What is the role of the teacher who is not managing the large group?

The teacher not managing the large group focuses on the small group, providing individualized attention, and support to enhance understanding and cater to specific learning needs.

How often should this co-teaching approach be used?

This co-teaching approach should be used occasionally and when needed to increase the performance of particular students or groups of students.

What does the script suggest about the impact of small group instruction on student engagement?

Small group instruction can make students feel heard and safe to ask questions, leading to a better understanding of the content and a more personalized learning experience.

How does the co-teaching model support teachers in identifying student needs?

The co-teaching model allows for another set of eyes in the classroom, helping to notice gaps in student learning or those who need enrichment, providing additional support where needed.

What is the potential impact of this teaching approach on a teacher's connection with students?

This approach can enhance the teacher's connection with students by allowing for more personalized interactions and understanding of individual student needs, leading to a stronger relationship and a more effective learning environment.

How does the script define the term 'differentiated instruction'?

Differentiated instruction, as defined in the script, is the practice of tailoring teaching methods and materials to meet the diverse learning needs of students within a classroom.