Differentiated Instructional Strategies - One Size Doesn't Fit All
by Gayle H. Gregory & Carolyn Chapman
Chapter 3 - Knowing the Learner
The fact is that we all learn in different ways, process information differently, and have distinct preferences about where, when, and how we learn.
Learning Profiles
A learning profile is a compilation of data to identify and share the ways in which each student learns.Sweet Spot
In the sports realm, the term "sweet spot" refers to the point or area on a bat, club, or racket at which it makes most effective contact with the ball or a place where a commination of factors result in a maximum response for a given amount of effort.It is imperative that teachers find the "sweet spot" that will connect the learners with new learning.
To identify the sweet spot, teachers should:
- Create and use surveys or inventories
- Make observations and notes
- Cast a broad set of opportunities so students can find their niche
- Provide strategies so students can reflect on their choices
Seven Categories
Seven categories should be considered to capture student preferences:1. Differences in learning
- How do students access, process, and express information?
2. Differences in sensory-based learning
- Is the student an auditory, visual, or tactile learning?
3. Differences in thinking
- Which style of thinking do your students have:
- Gregorc:
- Concrete Random Thinkers
- Concrete Sequential Thinkers
- Abstract Sequential Thinkers
- Abstract Random Thinkers
- McCarthy/4MAT
- Dynamic Learner
- Commonsense Learner
- Analytical Learner
- Imaginative Learner
4. Differences in multiple intelligences
- Verbal/Linguistic
- Logical/Mathematical
- Visual/Spatial
- Musical/Rhythmic
- Bodily/Kinesthetic
- Interpersonal
- Intrapersonal
- Naturalistic
5. Gender differences
- Provide opportunities for gender-alike groups
- Recognize that girls pay attention and can listen longer than boys
- Provide movement
- Connect more at a verbal, emotional level for girls
- Provide healthy competition
6. Cultural differences
- It is important that we recognize our students' culture and make an effort to understand their beliefs, values, attitudes, and norms.
7. Students' interests
- It is important to connect and relate to what students are learning in their world.
Other factors to consider:
- Noise level - Do students prefer noise or quiet?
- Design structure - What is the arrangement of the room?
- Motivation and persistence - Are students able to engage for long or short periods of time?
- Responsibility - Are they independent or do they need guidance?
- Structure - Do they prefer to have more flexibility or do they need more detail?
- Individual/Peer - Do they like to work worth others or do they prefer to leave alone?
No comments:
Post a Comment