Differentiated Instruction Strategies: Multiple Intelligences

Summary

In this video, third-grade teacher Kimberly Theis demonstrates differentiated instruction at William Southern Elementary School in Independence, Missouri. By strategically grouping students based on their strengths and needs, she fosters collaboration and encourages a variety of learning styles. The lesson includes a math contest that promotes critical thinking and teamwork, followed by special projects that cater to diverse interests and skills. Theis’s approach, grounded in Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, ensures that every student feels successful and engaged, whether through hands-on problem-solving or independent research, promoting both academic and personal growth.

Takeaways

• 😀 Differentiated instruction is about making sure every student feels successful in the classroom, accommodating their unique learning preferences.
• 😀 Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences guides the teaching strategy, recognizing strengths like logical-mathematical, kinesthetic, interpersonal, and spatial intelligences.
• 😀 Mrs. Theis uses thoughtful groupings, ensuring each group has students with different strengths, such as strong readers, math problem-solvers, and those who need additional support.
• 😀 A math contest is used as a fun, competitive activity where students can collaborate and share strategies to solve problems, promoting a cooperative learning environment.
• 😀 Students reflect on their strategies and identify areas for improvement, such as using calculators effectively or drawing out problems for better visualization.
• 😀 The second activity is a project-based learning task, where students choose from a variety of tiered activities based on their readiness and interests.
• 😀 Tiered activities are designed to cater to different student needs: simpler tasks for students who need more support and more complex ones for advanced learners.
• 😀 The 'All About Me' project allows students to choose activities that align with their interests, such as writing reports or performing plays, helping them engage with the material in meaningful ways.
• 😀 Reflection and collaboration are key parts of the learning process, with students discussing strategies, offering help, and learning from each other.
• 😀 Mrs. Theis ensures that all students are involved and feel successful by providing a range of activities and fostering an inclusive environment where students of all levels can thrive.

Q & A

What is the main educational theory that supports differentiated instruction in the classroom?

The main educational theory supporting differentiated instruction is Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences. This theory posits that students have different strengths and preferences for learning, which teachers can cater to through differentiated instruction.

How does Kimberly Theis group students for the math contest activity?

Kimberly Theis carefully groups students based on their strengths, ensuring each group has a high reader, a strong problem solver, and some students who may need extra support in either math or reading. This grouping strategy helps students benefit from each other's strengths.

What role does cooperation play in the math contest activity?

Cooperation plays a central role in the math contest, as students work together in teams. Each member contributes their strengths, such as problem-solving or reading comprehension, and the group collaborates to find solutions, fostering teamwork and peer learning.

What are the key strategies that Ms. Theis uses to ensure student success in the lesson?

Ms. Theis uses several strategies to ensure student success, including careful grouping based on strengths, offering a choice of activities through a choice board, encouraging self-reflection on strategies, and ensuring every student has the support they need to feel successful.

How does Ms. Theis incorporate different learning styles in her math lessons?

Ms. Theis incorporates multiple learning styles by including a variety of activities. For example, she uses logical-mathematical strategies (like calculators), kinesthetic methods (physical engagement), interpersonal tasks (group work), and spatial activities (drawing and visualizing problems).

What are the benefits of using a choice board in the classroom?

A choice board allows students to select activities that match their interests and skill levels, promoting autonomy in learning. It also provides tiered learning opportunities, where students can choose simpler tasks or more complex ones, based on their motivation and ability.

How does the math contest contribute to student engagement?

The math contest introduces a competitive element that engages students, particularly those who enjoy challenges. It encourages problem-solving and quick thinking, motivating students to participate and work together to improve their performance.

How does Ms. Theis address challenges students face in problem-solving?

Ms. Theis addresses challenges by creating a supportive environment where students can discuss their strategies, reflect on mistakes, and learn from each other. She emphasizes that not all problems will be solvable, but students should always do their best and support one another.

What does the 'All About Me' project entail, and how does it tie into differentiated learning?

The 'All About Me' project is a differentiated learning activity where students choose from a variety of tiered projects, ranging from simple tasks to more complex research-based activities. This project allows students to engage based on their interests and abilities, ensuring that each student feels successful.

What role does reflection play in Ms. Theis’ teaching approach?

Reflection is a key element in Ms. Theis' teaching approach. After completing tasks, students are encouraged to reflect on what worked well and what could be improved. This helps them recognize their own learning strategies and fosters growth and improvement in future tasks.