Chapter 1 "What Differentiation Is and Isn't"

How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed-Ability Classrooms
2nd Edition
by Carol Ann Tomlinson

What Differentiated Instruction is NOT:
"While it is true that differentiated instruction offers several avenues to learning, it does not assume a separate level for each learner.  It also focuses on meaningful learning or powerful ideas for all students."

Struggling learners, "G.T." learners, and all the students in between, are each deserving of an enriching learning environment and stimulating experience. As a classroom teacher, it can seem overwhelming to create a tailor-made lesson plan for each student. Many times the learning experience would result in some students receiving stimulating and creative instruction and expression, while other students would only ever be allowed to perform at a basic, maintenance level of expression and instruction. Acknowledging the importance of exposing All students to an engaging, rich curriculum will help keep the level of interest and new ideas growing in the whole classroom.


What Differentiation Instruction IS:
"Differentiated instruction is A BLEND of whole-class, group, and individual instruction."


I LOVE the Figure 1.1 - The Flow of Instruction in a Differentiated Classroom!!!
This helps tie together the learning experience. In the past, lessons were very "cut & dry" with more teacher shared knowledge and students simply regurgitate through worksheets. I love how this model allows for the Students to take ownership in what they learn and how they explore their expression of What they learn. There is guidance & structure from the teacher, but it is not confined to "what the teacher knows" or "can do."  This model also allows for students to have strengths in different areas and encourages growth in their weakness.

Love to Learn!

My name is Heather Dodd.
My Mission Statement:
To provide a nurturing environment where the first timid steps of learning are encouraged to grow leaps and bounds and guide the students towards a life-long learning journey.