Differentiating Instruction: It’s Not as Hard as You Think

Summary

Larry Ferlazzo explains that differentiated instruction isn't about creating separate lessons for each student but rather adapting teaching in real-time to meet diverse student needs. He emphasizes the importance of understanding students' unique gifts and challenges, and using professional judgment to respond flexibly. Differentiation can be achieved in content, process, and product, such as allowing student choice in topics or modifying the way students work together. Ferlazzo shares practical examples, like engaging a disinterested student by connecting the lesson to his interest in football. He stresses that these strategies don't necessarily add extra work but require building relationships with students and fostering a class culture that values individualized learning.

Takeaways

• 📚 Differentiating instruction is a mindset, not just a set of preplanned strategies.
• 🤔 It involves making in-the-moment decisions based on understanding each student's unique needs.
• 🎯 The goal is to ensure fairness by recognizing and responding to the diverse gifts and challenges students bring.
• 📈 Differentiation can be applied in three key areas: content, process, and product.
• 📖 Content differentiation might involve giving students choices, such as selecting their own research topics.
• 👥 Process differentiation can include varying groupings and learning environments to suit different learners.
• 🎨 Product differentiation allows for varied forms of demonstrating learning, like visual representations instead of traditional essays.
• 👀 Keeping the main learning objectives in focus is crucial while differentiating instruction.
• 🤝 Building strong relationships with students helps in understanding their strengths and interests for effective differentiation.
• 💡 Flexibility in thinking and a strong class culture are essential for implementing differentiation strategies successfully.
• 🌟 Differentiation does not necessarily mean more work; it's about being creative and responsive to student needs.

Q & A

What does Larry Ferlazzo define as differentiation of instruction?

Larry Ferlazzo defines differentiation of instruction as a way of thinking rather than a preplanned list of strategies. It involves making decisions in the moment based on recognizing students' different gifts and challenges.

Why does Ferlazzo argue that 'fair' doesn't always mean treating everyone equally in education?

Ferlazzo argues that 'fair' doesn't always mean treating everyone equally because all students bring different gifts and challenges, and educators need to use their professional judgment to respond to these differences in their teaching.

According to Carol Tomlinson, in which three areas can teachers differentiate instruction?

Carol Tomlinson suggests that teachers can differentiate instruction in three areas: content, process, and product.

How does student choice play a role in differentiating content?

Student choice in differentiating content allows students to select their research topics or essay prompts, which can engage their interests and make learning more relevant to them.

What example does Ferlazzo give to illustrate differentiation by content?

Ferlazzo gives the example of a student named John who was uninterested in writing an essay about natural disasters. To differentiate, Ferlazzo allowed John to write about why his favorite football team was the best, still following the guidelines of an argument essay.

How can teachers differentiate by process in the classroom?

Teachers can differentiate by process by changing how they group students, using mixed ability groups or same ability groups, and by adjusting the learning environment to suit individual students' needs, such as allowing a student to sit on a desk to read if they tend to fall asleep.

What is an example of differentiating by product according to the transcript?

An example of differentiating by product is allowing a student who likes to doodle to create a visual representation of key points discussed in class, instead of writing a traditional essay or taking a multiple-choice test.

Why does Ferlazzo suggest giving students an extra blank page on tests?

Ferlazzo suggests giving students an extra blank page on tests to allow them to write anything else they remember about the topic, which can lead to better quality thinking and writing as students are more engaged and can express their understanding in their own words.

What does Ferlazzo emphasize as a prerequisite for successful differentiation strategies?

Ferlazzo emphasizes that successful differentiation strategies require building relationships with students to understand their strengths, challenges, and interests, as well as demonstrating flexibility in thinking and a strong class culture.

How does Ferlazzo suggest that differentiation can be implemented without creating extra work for teachers?

Ferlazzo suggests that differentiation can be implemented without extra work by leveraging students' interests, adjusting the learning environment, and utilizing students' natural inclinations, such as doodling, to enhance learning without adding to the teacher's workload.