Teaching in the Inclusive Classroom: Differentiated Instruction

Summary

The video explores the concept of differentiated instruction, an effective teaching approach in inclusive classrooms. Teachers tailor learning experiences to meet individual students' needs, allowing diverse learners to succeed. The example focuses on a sixth-grade teacher, Stephanie Curry, who manages a class with a wide range of abilities and emotional needs. By offering students choice in how they demonstrate knowledge, like writing poems, creating comics, or acting out charades, she fosters engagement and accommodates different learning styles. Her emphasis on positive reinforcement and patience creates an inclusive, supportive environment.

Takeaways

• 📝 Differentiated instruction is a successful approach in inclusive classrooms, accommodating various learning styles.
• 👩‍🏫 Teachers in inclusive classrooms use differentiated instruction to meet individual student needs and learning preferences.
• 🎨 Differentiation includes allowing students to choose activities or projects that align with their learning styles, such as making comic strips, writing poems, or performing charades.
• 📚 Mrs. Curry, a first-year teacher, uses differentiated instruction to manage a classroom with diverse learning and emotional needs.
• 💡 Students are encouraged to express their knowledge in creative ways, demonstrating understanding through choice-based activities.
• 🔍 Special education students in Mrs. Curry's class receive accommodations such as extra time and modified assignments to aid comprehension and communication.
• 🤝 Positive reinforcement and behavior management are essential in classrooms with students who have behavior disorders or emotional challenges.
• 🎭 Active listening is a key component in Mrs. Curry's classroom, helping students engage and feel respected during peer presentations.
• ✍️ Students are given opportunities to revise their work and receive feedback, fostering a supportive and creative learning environment.
• 🎉 Mrs. Curry emphasizes the importance of patience and thoroughness in teaching, ensuring students fully understand concepts before moving on.

Q & A

What is differentiated instruction, and why is it important in inclusive classrooms?

Differentiated instruction is an approach where teachers tailor learning options based on individual students' needs, learning styles, and preferences. It is important in inclusive classrooms as it accommodates diverse learners, ensuring that struggling, advanced, and intermediate students can learn and succeed.

How does differentiated instruction work in practice?

In practice, differentiated instruction involves offering students various options for learning and demonstrating their understanding. Teachers may modify what students need to learn, how they learn it, or how they showcase their knowledge through different activities or projects.

What specific teaching method did Stephanie Curry use in her lesson on Greek mythology?

Stephanie Curry used a choice board method, where students were given multiple options to demonstrate their knowledge of Greek gods and goddesses. They could choose from activities such as creating a comic strip, writing a poem, or acting out charades, allowing them to learn in a way that matched their learning style.

How does Mrs. Curry handle the diversity of learning abilities in her classroom?

Mrs. Curry accommodates the wide range of learning abilities by offering differentiated tasks and providing individual attention. She ensures that each student can work at their own pace and ability level while making modifications for those with special needs, especially in areas like reading comprehension and writing.

What approach does Mrs. Curry take when students struggle with their assignments?

When students struggle with assignments, Mrs. Curry encourages them to come up with their own solutions and suggestions for modifications. This allows students to take ownership of their learning and express their needs, leading to better results.

How does Mrs. Curry encourage active listening in her classroom?

Mrs. Curry emphasizes the importance of active listening, which involves not just hearing but also engaging with the speaker through body language, eye contact, and attentiveness. She believes that active listening fosters a respectful and focused learning environment.

What challenges does Mrs. Curry face with student behavior, and how does she address them?

Mrs. Curry faces challenges with students who have behavior disorders, aggressive tendencies, and serious emotional issues. She addresses these by not letting prior knowledge of their behavior shape her expectations, and she uses positive reinforcement and behavior management techniques to encourage self-control.

How does Mrs. Curry ensure that her special education students receive the support they need?

Mrs. Curry provides accommodations for her special education students, particularly in communication arts. She modifies assignments by chunking them, allowing extra time, and adjusting expectations to ensure these students can succeed in their own way.

What role does student feedback play in Mrs. Curry's teaching process?

Student feedback plays a significant role in Mrs. Curry's teaching. She values their input when they suggest modifications and adaptations, as students often have a better understanding of their own needs and how they learn best.

How does Mrs. Curry foster a positive classroom environment despite the challenges she faces?

Mrs. Curry fosters a positive classroom environment by focusing on building new reputations for her students, not allowing past behaviors to define them. She promotes respect, positive reinforcement, and a supportive learning environment where students feel safe to express themselves.