Lecture Notes: Differentiated Instruction in Inclusive Classrooms
Key Concepts
Differentiated Instruction: Teaching method that involves tailoring instruction to meet individual student needs.
Used in almost all inclusive classrooms visited.
Focuses on understanding what each student needs to learn effectively.
Provides learning options that fit each learner's style and preference.
Methods of Differentiating Instruction
Individualized Learning: Teachers adapt what students learn or how they learn it.
Choice of Activities: Students select different activities or projects to demonstrate learning.
Accommodation of Learning Styles: Ensure all students, whether struggling, advanced, or in-between, learn and succeed.
Case Study: East Middle School
Teacher: Stephanie Kerr, first-year teacher.
Class Description: A challenging mix of identified and unidentified special needs students with diverse learning and emotional needs.
Lesson Example: Greek Mythology
Objective: Finish a unit on Ancient Greece focusing on gods and goddesses and their cultural impact.
Activities: Creative activities to apply learned knowledge, using a choice board for diverse learning styles.
Options include creating comic strips, writing poems, or performing charades.
Classroom Dynamics
Diverse Student Demographics: Equal number of African American, White, and Hispanic students; multiple English language learners; several special education students.
Accommodations: Special attention to reading comprehension and writing, especially for special education students.
Assignments are chunked, extra time provided, and feedback sought from students.
Behavior Management
Challenges: Handling students with behavioral disorders, aggression, and other emotional difficulties.
Approach: Positive behavior management and reinforcement (4 positives to 1 negative).
Focus on self-control and stepping outside of stereotypes.
Teaching Strategy
Active Listening: Teaching students to be good listeners by demonstrating with body language and maintaining eye contact.
Encouraging Questions: Patience with student questions to foster engagement and understanding.
Positive Reinforcement: Reinforcing positive behavior and offering constructive feedback.
Task Clarity: Ensuring students understand expectations and goals for successful learning outcomes.
Student Engagement and Feedback
Examples of Student Work: Sharing poems and written work on Greek gods and goddesses to illustrate understanding.
Encouraging Expression: Students engage in charades and creative writing to demonstrate understanding.
Peer Respect: Creating an environment of respect and non-judgment among peers.
Conclusion
Reflection: Differentiated instruction allows students to express learning in various formats, accommodating diverse learning needs.
Teacher's Role: Establishing a classroom environment that respects individual differences and encourages positive learning experiences.