Skip to main

March 3, 2021

Video Playlist: 5 Ways to Differentiate Instruction

If you’re like me, one of the biggest challenges you face in the classroom is careful differentiation. As soon as school starts, I’m already trying to discover how each of my students processes information in their own unique way  — and I try to investigate all the ways I can make learning work for them.

Carol Ann Tomlinson, a well-known differentiation guru, has given us three ways to differentiate that I like to keep in mind whenever planning: content, process, and product. Here are five Tch videos to help you think about differentiating instruction this year:

1) Differentiating Using Computer Games

See how Mr. Pronovost uses technology to differentiate for content. In this case, the computer games automatically meet students where they are with content knowledge, freeing Mr. Provonost up to work with other students in one-on-one ways.

Computer Games for class

2) Analyzing Texts: Putting Thoughts on Paper

Ms. Brewer shows us how differentiating for process helps to individualize instruction. You’ll notice how she pulls out a small group and uses gentle scaffolds to help them work through the same material, but in a different way.

Students Analyzing Texts

3) STEM Design Challenge: Edible Cars

In this messy lesson, Ms. Manning differentiates for product. While this can often mean that students demonstrate learning through vastly different products, this inquiry-based lesson is grounded in different solutions, different products.

Edible Cars Lesson Diagram

4) Differentiating with Learning Menus

Ms. Vagenas gives her students a choice in the projects they work on and the students get to work at their own pace.

learning menus

5) New Teacher Survival Guide: Differentiating Instruction

If you’re a new teacher, you’ll want to watch how Ms. Gurik responds to the diverse learning needs of her students, making sure she’s challenging the top students but not leaving anyone behind.

new teacher differentiating

How are you differentiating in your class this year? Share your great ideas!

Share

Search the K12 Hub

More From Teaching Channel

Want to partner with us?

We’re always looking for new authors! If you’re interested in writing an article, please get in touch with us.

Subscribe to our Newsletter!

Get notified of new content added to K12 Hub.

Over 100 New Courses Just Added! Explore Now >>
close-image