Goal From TPGP: "To increase my knowledge of specific learning strategies and activities relevant to key subject areas and developmental domains of early childhood learning in schools". (KSA #5, #8, #9)
What is an Exceptional Learner?
"Students with exceptionalities include students with disabilities and students who are gifted. Most often, the term "exceptionality" is associated with special education and some form of disability. However, students who are gifted are also identified as exceptional and may qualify for special education resources". Santrock, Woloshyn, Gallagher, Di Petta, and Marini, Educational Psychology, 2010.
What is Differentiated Instruction?
"An individualized process of teaching and learning that is based on the development readiness, interests, and learning style of all students within a classroom". Santrock, Woloshyn, Gallagher, Di Petta, and Marini, Educational Psychology, 2010.
What do the Experts have to Say...
"Differentiated instruction has the potential to create learning environments that maximize learning and the potential for success for ALL students - regardless of skill level or background" - McQuarrie, McRae, and Stack-Cutler, in Differentiated Instruction: Provincial Research Review (2005).
"Differentiated instruction makes it possible for teachers to reach all learners and can particularly enhance the success of students with disabilities, English language learners, students who are gifted, or students considered at risk for leaving school before completion". - Making A Difference, Government of Alberta (Education) 2010.
"Differentiated instruction is a philosophy and an approach to teaching in which teachers and school communities actively work to support the learning of all students through strategic assessment, thoughtful planning and targeted, flexible instruction. Differentiating instruction has been described as ‘shaking up’ what goes on in the classroom so students have multiple opportunities for taking in information, making sense of ideas and expressing what they learn". - Alberta Education Website (click for more information)
Key Elements of Differentiated Instruction
Resources to Implement Differentiated Instruction in the Classroom
30+ Educational Websites for Students Who Finish Early - for those exceptional learners in the classroom http://kbkonnected.tumblr.com/post/10903922014/30-sites-for-students-who-finish-early-has-been
Differentiated Instruction Sample Lesson Plans http://www.edugains.ca/newsite/di2/dilearningexamples.html
Instructional Tools to Use in the Classroom (templates and activities to download)
http://www.sde.com/teacher-resources.asp
Differentiation Central http://www.differentiationcentral.com
Lesson Plans and Rubrics for Differentiated Instruction
http://www.edutopia.org/stw-differentiated-instruction-budget-resources-downloads
What is an Exceptional Learner?
"Students with exceptionalities include students with disabilities and students who are gifted. Most often, the term "exceptionality" is associated with special education and some form of disability. However, students who are gifted are also identified as exceptional and may qualify for special education resources". Santrock, Woloshyn, Gallagher, Di Petta, and Marini, Educational Psychology, 2010.
What is Differentiated Instruction?
"An individualized process of teaching and learning that is based on the development readiness, interests, and learning style of all students within a classroom". Santrock, Woloshyn, Gallagher, Di Petta, and Marini, Educational Psychology, 2010.
What do the Experts have to Say...
"Differentiated instruction has the potential to create learning environments that maximize learning and the potential for success for ALL students - regardless of skill level or background" - McQuarrie, McRae, and Stack-Cutler, in Differentiated Instruction: Provincial Research Review (2005).
"Differentiated instruction makes it possible for teachers to reach all learners and can particularly enhance the success of students with disabilities, English language learners, students who are gifted, or students considered at risk for leaving school before completion". - Making A Difference, Government of Alberta (Education) 2010.
"Differentiated instruction is a philosophy and an approach to teaching in which teachers and school communities actively work to support the learning of all students through strategic assessment, thoughtful planning and targeted, flexible instruction. Differentiating instruction has been described as ‘shaking up’ what goes on in the classroom so students have multiple opportunities for taking in information, making sense of ideas and expressing what they learn". - Alberta Education Website (click for more information)
Key Elements of Differentiated Instruction
- knowing your students
- understanding the provincial curriculum
- providing multiple pathways to learning
- sharing responsibility with students
- taking a flexible and reflective approach
Resources to Implement Differentiated Instruction in the Classroom
30+ Educational Websites for Students Who Finish Early - for those exceptional learners in the classroom http://kbkonnected.tumblr.com/post/10903922014/30-sites-for-students-who-finish-early-has-been
Differentiated Instruction Sample Lesson Plans http://www.edugains.ca/newsite/di2/dilearningexamples.html
Instructional Tools to Use in the Classroom (templates and activities to download)
http://www.sde.com/teacher-resources.asp
Differentiation Central http://www.differentiationcentral.com
Lesson Plans and Rubrics for Differentiated Instruction
http://www.edutopia.org/stw-differentiated-instruction-budget-resources-downloads