Differentiation

When I first got into this profession I kept hearing the word differentiate, I ask myself what does it mean to differentiate? I kept doing my research and realize that the word differentiate means having different strategies for a diverse classroom of learners to understand new content that is being taught in the classroom. How can I make the lessons accessible for all is the questions that keep coming to mind? I teach math and I am always thinking of ways I can scaffold my lessons to benefit my diverse classroom of learners.

It is still a learning process for me, but I gave it a try. I decided to differentiate my lessons because I realize that there were certain students in my class that needed extra support in order to understand the lesson so I know I needed to try a different way. I started providing a multi-text with definitions of the vocabulary that would be covered in the lesson. Also, I would look for an example outlining the steps they had to take to reach the answer. On the worksheet, I provided a checklist of the steps that they needed to follow as a guide for them.

What I realize is that even though I am providing the multi-text students are not utilizing it correctly. I have to constantly remind students it is there as an additional resource to help them through the lesson. I also realize that even though the checklist is provided some students are not using it. At this point, I am not thinking that these differentiation strategies are successful and I need to go back to the drawing board to figure out a better a plan.

What I started doing was when I am modeling the problem I use a think-aloud strategy so that student will see how it looks like when someone is solving a problem. I also model how to use the checklist and explain to the student why the checklist is there and how useful it is if used correctly.

What I have learned from this process so far is that it is a trial and error process. I have to try different strategies until I find one that is successful for most students. I am not sure if there are workshops out there that help you to differentiate lessons for diverse learners. I would love to receive training on how to differentiate a lesson where it is effective and implement right away.