Thursday, November 4, 2010
Final Thoughts
It's going to be a challenge to be an effective teacher in an inclusive classroom. However, it is an opportunity to grow and broaden my current thoughts, beliefs, and perspectives...
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Differentiated Instrucation
Our world is continuously changing in regards to the norms, responsibilities, and values that individuals are expected to uphold. Our education system has had to constantly revamp instructional tactics and strategies in order to meet these essential aspects of society. Throughout history, there have been pendulum shifts between progressivism and traditionalism. Because of the different influences that globalization and technology has on society and children, knowledge is at the push of a button away from students and we are now shifting to progressivism.
To meet the needs of these neo-progressive students, teachers must modify the content, process, and product by understanding the students’ readiness, interests, and learning profiles. These elements of differentiated instruction were developed by Carol Tomlinson and this approach responds to the needs of all learners. For the 21st century learner, teachers must focus on ways to modify the curriculum, provide meaningful activities which students will find relevant, and supply opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge in their own way.Understanding the variables as to where students are coming from, there passions, and how they learn are imperative concepts when instructing today’s learners.
The diverse needs of the classroom require teachers to be aware of different strategies that are available. A teacher’s responsibility is to provide learning activities which will provide all students with the resources they need so that they become independent, accountable adults. This current shift to progressivism will demand teachers to develop and expand their instructional repertoires. All students will benefit from the differentiated instruction that teachers provide.
To meet the needs of these neo-progressive students, teachers must modify the content, process, and product by understanding the students’ readiness, interests, and learning profiles. These elements of differentiated instruction were developed by Carol Tomlinson and this approach responds to the needs of all learners. For the 21st century learner, teachers must focus on ways to modify the curriculum, provide meaningful activities which students will find relevant, and supply opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge in their own way.Understanding the variables as to where students are coming from, there passions, and how they learn are imperative concepts when instructing today’s learners.
The diverse needs of the classroom require teachers to be aware of different strategies that are available. A teacher’s responsibility is to provide learning activities which will provide all students with the resources they need so that they become independent, accountable adults. This current shift to progressivism will demand teachers to develop and expand their instructional repertoires. All students will benefit from the differentiated instruction that teachers provide.