Differentiation

1. Differentiation QE Teaching & Learning

2. Why is differentiation important? • It enables every student to reach the highest possible standard of which he or she is capable. • It is a process that encourages students, regardless of their ability, to benefit from the same curriculum. • It develops a sense of achievement in all students.

3. Why is differentiation important? Self Assessment encourages us to evaluate: • how well teaching and assessment support learning and development • how well students achieve and make progress • how well we meet the needs and interests of all students

4. How are students different from each other? Students may: • have different prior knowledge, experience and skills • find some aspects of their course(s) easy or difficult • work at different speeds • have particular interests • have differing levels of confidence or motivation • have a preference for different methods and styles of learning • have specific individual needs

5. Differentiation — some definitions ‘Differentiation is the process whereby teachers meet the need for progress through the curriculum by selecting appropriate teaching methods to match the individual student’s learning strategies within a group situation.’ • Visser J, Differentiation and the Curriculum, Birmingham, 1993, University of Birmingham

6. Differentiation — some definitions ‘Differentiation is… the process of identifying with each student, the most effective strategies for achieving agreed targets’ • Weston P, ‘A Decade For Differentiation’, BJSE, vol. xix, no.1, 1992

7. Differentiation — some definitions ‘Differentiation should be seen as integral to learning, not as an add-on for those situations when things do not go as well as planned and problems occur. Differentiation is not about troubleshooting. It is a concept that has to be seen in an inclusive way, applying to everyone’ • O’Brien T and Guiney D, Differentiation in teaching and learning: Principles and Practice, 2001, Continuum International Publishing group-Academic

8. Differentiation — some definitions ‘Differentiation is about identifying and addressing the different needs, interests and abilities of all students to give them the best possible chance of achieving their learning goals.’ • Standards Unit Pilot Centres, Standards Unit, Improving differentiation in business education, DfES 2004

9. Framework for a differentiated classroom. • The teacher adjusts content, process and product in response to students’ readiness, interests and learning profiles. • Goals are maximum growth and continued success. • Flexibility is the hallmark of a differentiated classroom.