What does differentiation look like?

Differentiation in a high school science classroom looks like a group of students who are engaged with their work. It is not obvious that some students are working on higher level projects, you cannot pick out the “dumb kids” and you certainly cannot see any students sitting around with nothing to do. A differentiated classroom is a student centered classroom that allows students to make their own choices whenever possible and take responsibility for their own learning. While students may take different paths through the curriculum they should all have the same content knowledge at the end of the day. A differentiated classroom looks like students creating the path that best suits them so they can achieve their highest potential.

Giving students more work when they finish early can discourage them from finishing early the next time. Students who need more time may also be discouraged if they see their peers are finished and sitting around chatting. Therefore it is important to have different types of assignments; they should still cover the same content material, but be tailored for students of different abilities. In most cases, students will self select the appropriate assignment and by leaving the choice in their hands you’re allowing the students more autonomy which can also help them feel more engaged with the work.

A differentiated classroom may also look like small group sessions. Many studies have shown that teaching someone else is an effective way to solidify the information for yourself. With small groups, students can teach each other and work through assignments as a group, each student bringing different strengths to the table. Everyone benefits from a sharing of ideas. To avoid hitchhikers you can have group members choose specific roles and be responsible for their own role.

Choice is key in a differentiated classroom. Involving students in making tests and rubrics can often help students achieve higher marks. By being involved in the creating process students will not only have a better understanding of what is being asked of them, but they will also feel a sense of responsibility. If they don’t do well on a test they helped create it is harder to blame the test or say that the questions were ‘unfair’. Having students set their own goals is also beneficial; students then have something to work towards that they chose, once again placing the responsibility on them.

A differentiated classroom, looks like a class where students feel involved with the process, where they feel that they belong and that the teacher cares for them. It is set up in a way that is welcoming to the students, and there are helpful instructions and encouraging posters on the wall. A differentiated classroom should look like a classroom that you would like to spend an afternoon learning in!