Differentiated Instruction and Implications for UDL Implementation
By: Tracey Hall, Nicole Strangman, and Anne Meyer
By: Tracey Hall, Nicole Strangman, and Anne Meyer
Differentiated instruction calls for a flexibility in teachers and their approach to teaching and adjusting the curriculum so students do not have to modify themselves. The teachers most important job is to “recognize students' varying background knowledge, readiness, language, preferences in learning and interests; and to react responsibly.” We want to maximize the growth of each student’s success by meeting them at their level and helping them advance.
They listed 3 elements of the curriculum that can be differentiated:
They listed 3 elements of the curriculum that can be differentiated:
(1)Content, (2)Process, and (3)Products
1.Several elements and materials are used to support instructional content, Align tasks and objectives to learning goals, Instruction is concept-focused and principle-driven
2.Flexible grouping is consistently used, Classroom management benefits students and teachers
3.Initial and on-going assessment of student readiness and growth are essential, Students are active and responsible explorers, Vary expectations and requirements for student responses
One thing I found very interesting was that differentiated instruction began in the general education classroom for the ‘gifted students’. This is a very important thing to have because many gifted children get bored with their school work because it is too easy. This can lead to not only behavioral problems, but also to a dislike for school and education all together. We definitely do not want to lose those students who are the best and brightest because they are bored.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) - A UDL curriculum takes on the burden of adaptation so that the student doesn't have to, minimizing barriers and maximizing access to both information and learning. Critical to successfully implementing UDL theory is the use of digital materials.
Upon reading about Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which I had never heard of, I came to realize that I already implement many of their network-appropriate teaching methods in my classroom. It made me feel good about myself as a teacher. To support diverse recognition, I give multiple examples when doing notes on the board. To support diverse strategic networks, I provide opportunities to practice with supports, constant ongoing and relevant feedback, and I offer flexible opportunities for demonstrating skill. To support diverse affective networks I offer adjustable levels of challenge, choices of learning context, and offer choices of rewards.
A UDL curriculum is a good idea, however, it takes a lot of time to implement. Teachers should work together to create a more diverse teaching style. Just as students are different, so are teachers. I worked with a couple of teachers who did not care much for me or my methods because we are from different generations. They are ready to retire as soon as possible and I am just getting started. Students complain about having them as teachers and don’t learn much, whereas, in my classroom, I have students arguing over how to complete math problems. My students are engaged and wanting to learn. Once they are hooked for the day, learning can take place effectively.
This article was very good at explaining what Differentiated Instruction is, however, they talk about using digital data. Not all schools/classrooms have digital data. It is difficult to implement all the new technology available if we cannot get it into the classrooms. So we must work our way around this problem and offer different types of stimuli. Perhaps not just textbooks and worksheets, but also videos, games, and projects would help to fill in the gap until funding for education allows for us to use other means of educational tools.
1.Several elements and materials are used to support instructional content, Align tasks and objectives to learning goals, Instruction is concept-focused and principle-driven
2.Flexible grouping is consistently used, Classroom management benefits students and teachers
3.Initial and on-going assessment of student readiness and growth are essential, Students are active and responsible explorers, Vary expectations and requirements for student responses
One thing I found very interesting was that differentiated instruction began in the general education classroom for the ‘gifted students’. This is a very important thing to have because many gifted children get bored with their school work because it is too easy. This can lead to not only behavioral problems, but also to a dislike for school and education all together. We definitely do not want to lose those students who are the best and brightest because they are bored.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) - A UDL curriculum takes on the burden of adaptation so that the student doesn't have to, minimizing barriers and maximizing access to both information and learning. Critical to successfully implementing UDL theory is the use of digital materials.
Upon reading about Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which I had never heard of, I came to realize that I already implement many of their network-appropriate teaching methods in my classroom. It made me feel good about myself as a teacher. To support diverse recognition, I give multiple examples when doing notes on the board. To support diverse strategic networks, I provide opportunities to practice with supports, constant ongoing and relevant feedback, and I offer flexible opportunities for demonstrating skill. To support diverse affective networks I offer adjustable levels of challenge, choices of learning context, and offer choices of rewards.
A UDL curriculum is a good idea, however, it takes a lot of time to implement. Teachers should work together to create a more diverse teaching style. Just as students are different, so are teachers. I worked with a couple of teachers who did not care much for me or my methods because we are from different generations. They are ready to retire as soon as possible and I am just getting started. Students complain about having them as teachers and don’t learn much, whereas, in my classroom, I have students arguing over how to complete math problems. My students are engaged and wanting to learn. Once they are hooked for the day, learning can take place effectively.
This article was very good at explaining what Differentiated Instruction is, however, they talk about using digital data. Not all schools/classrooms have digital data. It is difficult to implement all the new technology available if we cannot get it into the classrooms. So we must work our way around this problem and offer different types of stimuli. Perhaps not just textbooks and worksheets, but also videos, games, and projects would help to fill in the gap until funding for education allows for us to use other means of educational tools.
