KNOW YOUR STUDENTS

In a differentiated classroom, commonalities are acknowledged and built upon, and student differences become important elements in teaching and learning as well.

Carol Ann Tomlinson

How To Differentiate Instruction in Mixed-Ability Classrooms, 2nd ed. ASCD. 2001

An important goal of differentiation is to help each student become a more independent and successful learner. For this to happen, we need to know as much about our students as possible. Teachers differentiate content, process and product according to their students readiness, interests and learning profile.

There are three key understandings that come into play here. We know that students of all ages learn better if:

• activities and learning situations are just a little above a their current skill, knowledge and understanding level, i.e. readiness

• activities tap into their curiosity and passion, i.e. interests

• activities are open for them to use their preferred manner of learning, i.e. learning profile

LITERACY TODAY IS UNDERSTANDING THE WORD AND THE WORLD.

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