Differentiation is a critical topic in the world of education. Every student comes from a different place with a unique and special personality. They’re also headed in different directions; each one pursuing a different dream, different interests, and different career goals. If teachers hope to meet students where they are, and help them find the right destination, differentiation must play a leading role in their ongoing growth. However, teachers are busy people with many competing demands. When it comes to differentiation, what is a busy teacher supposed to do?
The good news is that there are several practical strategies that can maximize student thinking and learning with a minimal amount of teacher preparation time. Each of these teacher-tested strategies is designed to help educators meet individual student needs without sacrificing lesson quality or content. Best of all, when employed correctly, they can make learning memorable, meaningful, and fun! To get started, teachers must first divide their instruction into three categories – Low-Floor & High Ceiling, Different-AI-tion, and PEWC.
Low-Floor, High Ceiling
Low-Floor, High Ceiling activities allow any student to participate and find success, regardless of how difficult they find the process to be (the low floor). However, they also challenge students to improve and grow, no matter how advanced they are (the high ceiling). One example would be to have students participate in a Brain Dump. The simplest and most powerful way to boost student learning is with retrieval practice – where students remember as much of their learning as they can. Instigate a Brain Dump at any point during a unit of study by having students record as much as they can that they know about the subject. The strategy naturally differentiates because each student will record different takeaways, and this will allow them to share their knowledge with other students.
Different-AI-tion
Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a major resource in modern learning. While some understandably view AI with trepidation, artificial intelligence can also save teachers valuable time and allow them to differentiate in wonderful new ways. For instance, using AI tools, teachers can now connect their students to just about anyone, past or present. Consider having students write pen pal letters to someone they’re studying in history. Then, have AI write a letter back, using the voice and life experience of that individual. Students can form a pen pal connection with Van Gogh, Empress Wu Zetian — or even inanimate things like a leaf or a line segment. It’s a wonderful, conversational way to learn!
PEWC
There are four broad ways to teach that are always differentiated, just by their very nature: Project-Based Learning, Engineering, Writing, and Creation. Infusing PEWC activities into the classroom can deepen differentiation immediately and effectively. Project-based learning, for example, can encompass all of these by focusing on practical, everyday problems like energy conservation and money management. As an added benefit, PBL also allows students to use what they’ve learned to make an impact beyond the classroom. Students can bring their unique skills and individual creativity to bear on their solutions, differentiating their projects as they take ownership of the process. For those looking for a comprehensive resource, Blue Apple Projects are a great tool for implementing a PBL experience.
Remember, differentiation does not need to be difficult. By using strategies like Low-Floor, High Ceiling, by integrating AI solutions, and by PEWC-ing all over their classroom, teachers can encourage students to flourish in their own individual ways, without spreading their time and energy too thin.