Differentiation

1
Differentiation?
2
Why is differentiation important?

• It enables every learner to reach the highest
  possible standard of which he or she is capable.
• It is a process that encourages learners,
  regardless of their ability, to benefit from the
  same curriculum.
• It develops a sense of achievement in all
  learners.

3
Why is differentiation important?

• Ofsted inspections ask us to evaluate
• how well teaching and training meet
• individuals needs
• how well learners learn and make progress

4
How are learners different from each other?

• Learners may
• have different prior knowledge, experience and
  skills
• find some aspects of their programme easy or
  difficult
• work at different speeds
• have particular interests
• have differing levels of confidence or motivation
• have a preference for different methods and
  styles of learning
• have specific individual needs

5
Differentiation some definitions

• Differentiation is the process whereby teachers
  meet the need for progress through the curriculum
  by selecting appropriate teaching methods to
  match the individual students learning
  strategies within a group situation.
• Visser J, Differentiation and the Curriculum,
  Birmingham, 1993, University of Birmingham

6
Differentiation some definitions

• Differentiation is the process of identifying
  with each learner, the most effective strategies
  for achieving agreed targets
• Weston P, A Decade For Differentiation, BJSE,
  vol. xix, no.1, 1992

7
Differentiation some definitions

• Differentiation should be seen as integral to
  learning, not as an add-on for those situations
  when things do not go as well as planned and
  problems occur. Differentiation is not about
  troubleshooting. It is a concept that has to be
  seen in an inclusive way, applying to everyone
• OBrien T and Guiney D, Differentiation in
  teaching and learning Principles and Practice,
  2001, Continuum International Publishing
  group-Academi

8
Differentiation some definitions

• Differentiation is about identifying and
  addressing the different needs, interests and
  abilities of all learners to give them the best
  possible chance of achieving their learning
  goals.
• Standards Unit Pilot Centres, Standards Unit,
  Improving differentiation in business education,
  DfES 2004

9
Framework for a differentiated classroom.

• The teacher or trainer adjusts content, process
  and product in response to learners readiness,
  interests and learning profiles.
• Goals are maximum growth and continued success.
• Flexibility is the hallmark of a differentiated
  classroom.