The elementary classroom today, is more diverse, inclusive, and plugged in to technology than ever before and although schools today are changing so rapidly, the power of differentiation remains the same and the need is ever growing! Teachers today are under tremendous pressure to help ensure students meet a set of rigorous, standardized learning topics. Differentiation in the Elementary Classroom will guide teachers with the division of time, resources, and efforts to effectively instruct their students.
Differentiation in the Elementary Classroom Module 1
Why A Differentiated Classroom?
As we begin our journey through the differentiated classroom, it is important to first recognize what constitutes a differentiated class. Included in our first week, we will examine the various portraits of differentiated classrooms, how curriculum is organized to support learning within these classes, and how teachers and students can work together to achieve success within this environment.
What Differentiation Is and Is Not
Ensuring Continued Growth and Progress
Building a Healthy Classroom Community
Fostering Growth Mindset
Articulating Learning Goals
Differentiation in the Elementary Classroom Module 2
Interactive Learning Experiences
Module two will explore how teachers learn what the students already know by using pre-assessment tools and techniques. We will cover how to design a pre-assessment. We will also examine how to provide interactive learning experiences in order to get students engaged with the content and their classmates.
Pre-Assessment Planning
How Do I Know What Students Already Know?
How Do I Get Students Engaged with the Content and with One Another?
Tools & Strategies
Learning Experiences
Differentiation in the Elementary Classroom Module 3
Strategies in a Differentiated Classroom
The third week takes us through the various proven activities to use in the differentiated classroom. There are many strategies that invite teachers to examine the needs of small groups and individuals, as opposed to teaching as though all learners share the same readiness level, interests, and modes of learning. Module three will explore in detail how to use these approaches in your classroom.
Using Formative Assessment
Student Readiness
Student Interest
Learning Preference
Motivation and Investment
Differentiation in the Elementary Classroom Module 4
Implementing Differentiation
In module four, we will look at some guidelines to consider for promising ways to manage, plan, implement, and lead the differentiated classroom. Also included this week is deal with roadblocks and ways to work around them.
How Do Teachers Manage Differentiation
Does Differentiation Make a Difference?
Launching Differentiation Tasks
Getting Students Into Groups
Ensuring Task Completion
After completing this course, learners should be able to:
Define what constitutes a differentiated classroom
Identify the principles that can be applied to create an engaging classroom
List the various proven activities to use in the differentiated classroom
Recognize classroom management techniques and strategies for differentiating lessons
Certificate of completion
This class is an independent-study course. Students will have all the resources needed to successfully complete the course within the online material. A student helpdesk is available for technical support during the course enrollment.