Thrive in Action Blog Series: Student Voice, GPS 11 - Differentiation
The Thrive In Action blog series highlights practical applications for Great Pedagogy Strategies (GPS) within the EdConnective Thrive Framework, summarized here. The EdConnective Thrive Framework is unique in that it can be applied to teaching actions seamlessly whether learning is in-person or remote. This week we get more familiar with:
Student Voice, GPS 11- Differentiation: Teacher differentiates content, process, product, and environment as needed, including for both students who need additional support and for students who need additional challenges.
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Differentiation is a crucial tool teachers use to ensure they are reaching each student in the way the student needs. Teachers modify assignments for students who need additional support and for students who need additional challenges/enriching opportunities. Teachers use differentiation to explain things in additional words, provide an example, and provide a rationale.
In the classroom, some students may benefit from step-by-step instructions on how to complete an assignment. The steps ensure the students will meet all the requirements and may make the assignment less confusing. Often when students are asked to complete a writing task, the act of starting is what holds them back. Providing students with a sentence starter allows them to start and not focus on the writing skills but more the writing process.
Virtually, we must remember that Zoom and other video conferencing can be overwhelming as an audio and/or visual experience for some learners. Create norms around all participants being on mute to avoid echoes and provide regular movement and screen-free breaks. Teachers can differentiate by allowing students to participate in a writing activity by writing with paper and pencil, whiteboard and marker or typing their answer into the chat.
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Download a summary of the EdConnective Thrive Framework here. EdConnective provides 1:1, personalized non-evaluative coaching to teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators, as well as small group coaching and large group training.