Assignment #4 - Differentiated Instruction in Your Classroom

The first key area that I feel needs focus in a differentiated classroom, is that of classroom management. I think that it is quite obvious that there needs to be effective management and instruction methods put into place straight away in order to keep the room from becoming chaotic. Most important to this then, is that as a teacher, always know where you are going with the students, and how you are going to get them there. In other words, being prepared is key, and should help to avoid many management issues. In the video with Carol Tomlinson, we were shown how an elementarty teacher made the steps that students needed to follow very clear, and there were routines in place so as that the teacher need not be disturbed when working with select students. There were clear classroom rules, and students were well aware of when there could be talking or not, and the appropriate voice levels to be used. So then, I feel that it is vital to set up these perameters at the onset, and always be clear about all expectations so as to attempt to avoid management issues that can be!

Another factor that I feel is key in a differentiated classroom is that of assessment. We have seen how in a differentiated classroom, and any classroom really, it is so important to do a pre-assessment to get to know where your students are at. If this is not done, how can one accurately differentiate the lessons to fit the student's needs? I really appreciate the idea that fairnes in a classroom is not necessarily each student getting the same thing, but moreover, each one getting what they need. So, for me the whole idea of getting to know your students, and there various levles of interests and abilities is key to establishing proper lessons for them. As well, is the maintaining of assessment throughout the entire unit so that lessons can continue to be adapted and molded. Within this then, comes that ever famous word of FLEXIBILITY!

I feel that in order for a differentiated model to be carried out to its fullest potential in a classroom, there needs to be a strong sense of community within the class. Students are going to be continuously interacting and working with eachother and hence, it is key that competition is avoided, and the classroom is instead viewed as a place where everyone has a right and a responsiblity to grow. The teacher plays an enormous role in setting the climate for this, and maintaining it. I really liked in the video how the middle school teacher made sure that all students work was read aloud to the class at some point, either anonomously or by the student. The key was that ALL were recognized as valued contributors to the classroom. It is amazing how far small gestures can go to making somebodies day, and increasing their comfort levels amongst peers. And, shouldn't this be the type of behavior we model for our students, so that in turn they will do the same towards fellow students, and hopefully a closer sense of community within the classroom will evolve?