This chat is moderated by Grapevine-Colleyville ISD educators where we discuss current education trends and deepen our learning. 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 8:30 PM CST September to May @msbearce @SBarkerEDU
Good evening & welcome to tonight's #gcisdchat! For the next hour, we'll be talking about ideas and strategies to sharpen and add to the tools in your differentiation toolbox.
A3: Data is key to purposeful differentiation. Without it, we are taking a shot in the dark. However, data doesn't have to be a test. There are effective informal assessments as well. #gcisdchat
A2: Lesson design has a huge impact on how we differentiate and in ensuring that we are providing differentiation. We can't always fly by the seat of our pants! It has to be intentional. #gcisdchat
A3: Also use data from Student Voice surveys and reflections I give to assess my teaching and make changes to better differentiate. Asking for suggestions provides great insight to their styles. #gcisdchat
And when you do, make sure and let them know WHY you made a specific choice. The more they know you value it, the more willing they are to share it! #gcisdchat
I think it goes along with previous comment: how can you plan to get somewhere if you don't know where you're going. Using data to differentiate just drives the planning. #gcisdchat
Good evening & welcome to tonight's #gcisdchat! For the next hour, we'll be talking about ideas and strategies to sharpen and add to the tools in your differentiation toolbox.
A4: Differentiation requires a philosophy shift from traditional teaching. Teachers cannot assume one student's roadmap is the same as anothers (Tomlinson, @cat3y). #gcisdchat
When it comes down to it, differentiation simply is about what's best for the kids. It's the WHY behind the HOW. Closing their opportunity gap by meeting specific needs. #gcisdchat
A4: Needs to be habit that occurs everyday to best meet our Ss needs for them to be successful in their learning journey & our journey as educators! #gcisdchat
A4: Differentiation can mean so many different things, and it can look different on any given day. It’s not simply a tool used for a quick fix, but rather something that we develop based on student needs. #gcisdchat
A3: Data can be simply collected from listening. I️ love to do things like “talk a mile a minute” and listen to them explain terms to a partner #gcisdchat
A4: Differentiation becomes easier when there is strong teacher-student relationships. Having the mindset of caring who each student is as a person will naturally carry over into knowing what they need! #gcisdchat
It depends on the situation, but checklists and observations are one of my go to's... must not underestimate the power of teacher observation! #gcisdchat
And when you do, make sure and let them know WHY you made a specific choice. The more they know you value it, the more willing they are to share it! #gcisdchat
A4: Differentiation becomes easier when there is strong teacher-student relationships. Having the mindset of caring who each student is as a person will naturally carry over into knowing what they need! #gcisdchat
A:4. Differentiation is a mindset and should be second nature, embedded in our thought process for lesson planning, its facilitation and assessment. #gcisdchat
A4: As the guru, Carol Tomlinson, says, "Differentiation is NOT a set of strategies. It's a way of thinking about teaching and learning." :) #gcisdchat
A4: She also says, "Strategies are just tools to accomplish the goals of differentiation." I really feel this is true! Strategies help, but it is our mindset & approach that really make the difference. #gcisdchat
A4: As the guru, Carol Tomlinson, says, "Differentiation is NOT a set of strategies. It's a way of thinking about teaching and learning." :) #gcisdchat
I totally agree! It is based on what is best for ALL students, instead of thinking it is a tool that may or may not be needed for certain groups of students. #gcisdchat
A4: Differentiation can mean so many different things, and it can look different on any given day. It’s not simply a tool used for a quick fix, but rather something that we develop based on student needs. #gcisdchat
A5: For math skills is a big one! Ss are at different levels of mastery in so many areas! Having multiple levels of challenge helps everyone feel successful! #gcisdchat
A4: As the guru, Carol Tomlinson, says, "Differentiation is NOT a set of strategies. It's a way of thinking about teaching and learning." :) #gcisdchat
Differentiation is designing the space, groupings, and engaging work to meet students' unique learning needs and strategies are a tool used to accomplish the learning objectives. #gcisdchat
A4: Differentiation is designing the space, groupings, and engaging work to meet students' unique learning needs and strategies are a tool used to accomplish the learning objectives. #gcisdchat#gcisdchat
A5: Differentiation of content absolutely requires us to be culturally relevant educators. Imagine spending your life in a class reading books that never include a person who looks like you? #gcisdchat
A5 for me materials is the biggest part of my differentiation. I have Ss who need concrete objects, those who can't participate without the right communication tools, etc. Regardless of what I am teaching, I can't teach without different ways for the Ss to access it #gcisdchat
A5: For math skills is a big one! Ss are at different levels of mastery in so many areas! Having multiple levels of challenge helps everyone feel successful! #gcisdchat
A3 Data drives the differentiation bus. All types (formal/informal/summative/formative/anecdotal/etc) should be used to guide decisions about lesson design and planning. Saying you differentiate without basing planning on data is like saying you drive w/out gas. #gcisdchat
A5: I believe concepts and materials are used most in my differentiation. Students have so many ways of learning - many need manipulative and/or analogies that can bridge gaps in understanding. #gcisdchat
Q5: I use level of skill and attitude to determine where a student can start learning the material, or maybe where they can go deeper into the material, and what learning paths would work best for them. #gcisdchat
Implement it using it everyday so that it organically becomes part of learning process; getting to REALLY know our Ss- question them about what does & doesn't work for them #gcisdchat
It is amazing to me what one class period is successful with that another absolutely cannot use. This is why I say yes, I teach PAP Eng 5 times, but not one time is the same! #gcisdchat
I totally agree! It is based on what is best for ALL students, instead of thinking it is a tool that may or may not be needed for certain groups of students. #gcisdchat
A4: Differentiation can mean so many different things, and it can look different on any given day. It’s not simply a tool used for a quick fix, but rather something that we develop based on student needs. #gcisdchat
Implement it using it everyday so that it organically becomes part of learning process; getting to REALLY know our Ss- question them about what does & doesn't work for them #gcisdchat
Right?? Sometimes I'm creating totally different plans for the same level and content. Different kids, different learning. Not to mention a 1st period class has different needs than an 8th period class. #gcisdchat
It is amazing to me what one class period is successful with that another absolutely cannot use. This is why I say yes, I teach PAP Eng 5 times, but not one time is the same! #gcisdchat
I totally agree! It is based on what is best for ALL students, instead of thinking it is a tool that may or may not be needed for certain groups of students. #gcisdchat
A4: Differentiation can mean so many different things, and it can look different on any given day. It’s not simply a tool used for a quick fix, but rather something that we develop based on student needs. #gcisdchat
Not sure where I read this (think it was ASCD), but it was explained that differentiated instruction is a lens for choosing the best tool for successful learning experiences. #gcisdchat
A6: So often Ts design for what works for us. We have to ask our Ss how they learn best and give them opportunities to experience different ways. Differentiating for process takes planning! #gcisdchat
A6: So often Ts design for what works for us. We have to ask our Ss how they learn best and give them opportunities to experience different ways. Differentiating for process takes planning! #gcisdchat
A6: This is where informal assessments come in. Ex. Exit tickets that are used to drive class the next day. The process is only as strong as the lesson design. It is our job to be equipped with all the best strategies so we can change things up when needed! #gcisdchat
By taking ownership in their learning and having the understanding that what they are doing is meaningful and relevant. They will want to push themselves. #gcisdchat
A6: I offer two types of practice every day (one traditional and one online where students can utilize step-by-step instructions and/or videos if they are still unsure of the process.) I’ve received great feedback on this from Ss and parents! #gcisdchat
A6: everyday is different and the Ss may need something different than they used the day before to help them. Showing them strategies and giving them tools that they can choose from makes them more successful. #gcisdchat
A7: With all the tools we have out there I find product differentiation easier than the others. It is led by Student Voice & we are fortunate we have the tools & support to have these opportunities. #gcisdchat
A7: formative assessments (with re-tests for all who want to improve), quick checks (with reflections), small group collaborative work and student conferencing are all ways my students can demonstrate understanding of content. #gcisdchat
A6: Tom Spall in Brenham ISD created a student choice menu as valuable tool for students to make decisions about their own learning.
https://t.co/ua1Sx3UKIA#gcisdchat@Tommyspall
Just heard about Incredibox (to create raps) and thought I’d try to implement that as an option in my math class. I can’t wait to hear about ratios and rates in rap form! LOL #gcisdchat
A7: We have to be sure students know expectations when there are so many product choices. I'm working on creating a bank of criteria cards so students can still create a sophisticated product, even when they have choice over what it is. #gcisdchat
A7: I like to always provide a choice in product. I use choice boards with varying challenge levels and product creation in math and reading. PBLs also naturally are geared toward product differentiation. #gcisdchat
A7: We have to be sure students know expectations when there are so many product choices. I'm working on creating a bank of criteria cards so students can still create a sophisticated product, even when they have choice over what it is. #gcisdchat
I checked in and that went silent. Internet issues at Casa Barker but I plan to read through the feed and learn from you all after the fact! #gcisdchat
I've made about 6, but there are basic ones in Carolyn Coil's book, Activities and Assessments for the Differentiated Classroom https://t.co/EG3YCYp7Lm#gcisdchat
A9: We're all in this together- idea share w/Ts, get to REALLY know Ss learning needs, adapt & improvise daily, never stop figuring out what does & doesn't work, keep learning! #gcisdchat
