Why differentiated instruction doesnt work

For the first time in years, the likeliest living arrangement for adults age 18—34 is with their parents. Differentiation protects our students from the real emotional and intellectual demands of life, by having the teacher shape the reality to meet the students. As many areas in life are not that flexible, differentiation may possibly stunt their maturation. Grit requires inner resolve to handle the unexpected and change.

Individualization is an alternative theory that can address the uniqueness of each student and their eventual specialization, while ensuring that all students have basic general knowledge and skills. Individualization, sometimes called individualized learning, is a form of blended learning. Differentiated vs. The basic theory is mastery learning, where students move to the next level once demonstrating mastery of the present one.

Graduation means mastery over the minimum set of standards in each subject needed for the next stage of life. Students display their individuality by specializing in different areas: one student masters more learning in math, while another emphasizes history. Academic records will list the benchmarks and standards that the student has mastered. During school time, students receive teacher guidance and instruction; a teacher makes judicious use of the inputs, like group work.

Teachers direct student time allocation toward continued specialization or shoring up the weaker areas of their general knowledge. As standards and benchmarks are not always linear, especially in the humanities, teachers will also direct students who repeatedly do not attain mastery as to when it is time to move on and try a new, parallel topic. The student could return to the standard at a later date with additional development.

To accomplish individualization, teachers need the assistance of standards-based digital assessments. These assessments give students the independence to try numerous times and can automate results for teacher and student.

Teachers now have additional time and more data to enable higher-quality individualized interactions. As students work at different paces, they will not be held back by their group, nor can they hold them up either.

Individualization aims for the best of both worlds. It starts with standards and an output-oriented education, while validating the uniqueness of each student. It is efficient and flexible. Paired with skills and mental fortitude gained through strong performance expectations, our students will be fortified to flourish in the future. When we use formative assessment data to identify student skill levels, we can identify the strategies to be used, and differentiate them to raise student success.

Any strategy can be differentiated, depending on what assessment data tells us what students need for a learning outcome. Learner gifts and needs are based on their readiness, interests, learning profiles, and the learning environment.

Based on what we learn about our students, we have many options, such as:. Intentional differentiated instruction is pre-planned based on learning targets. It anticipates that some students will struggle while others will exceed expectations, and that prior to instruction, a plan should be in place to provide appropriate support for all groups. Differentiated instruction helps us beat the odds. We know that our students' skill levels and processing time vary widely. How do we know this?

Based on formative assessments, a teacher knows which students are exceeding expectations and which are struggling. This knowledge enables us to plan lessons that intentionally align to needs. We have nothing to lose by pre-planning differentiated instruction. Not doing so means that struggling students are knowingly left behind to fail, and advanced students are left adrift with few opportunities for testing their true potential.

Here are the odds for two lotteries: Powerball : 1 in ,, Mega Millions California : 1 in million If you could reduce the odds to 1 in 3 attempts or 1 in 1 attempts, would you play then?

Answer: themselves, their colleagues, and their students. Intuitive Differentiation Teachers differentiate every day based on observations of student response to work. Do you: Give students choices for work options? Provide mini-lessons or small-group instruction to a few students who struggle with a skill? Or provide more in-depth coaching to advanced and gifted students? Explain or model content for understanding in two or more approaches strategies or media video, speaker, inquiry, etc.

Group students by common academic needs for some activities based on similar skill level? Share article Remove Save to favorites Save to favorites. James R.

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