Differentiation Growth

My Personal Differentiation Growth

Many times when teachers hear the words “differentiation” they often groan.  I must admit that at times I have feared the idea of differentiation.  Teachers, like me, are often under the impression that to differentiate a unit or basic activity takes a lot of extra time and preparation.  However, the more I differentiate the easier it becomes.  

This semester I have made it a goal to include differentiation into one to two activities a week.  Each week while reading assigned chapters, I have learned more and more techniques to include in my classroom.  A personal favorite is from Frances Karnes and Suzanne Bean’s Methods and Materials for Teaching the Gifted, Chapter 6 “Product Development for Gifted Students.”  All students thrive by producing various products based on their own unique abilities and interest.  This chapter provide a large list of products that are easy to incorporate in every classroom.  Product development is extremely important in all students especially gifted.  Giving them the opportunity to explore different options allows for them to really show what they learned in a particular unit as well as demonstrate to the teacher their own personal growth and new knowledge.  

Throughout this course I have examined various curriculum models to use in the classroom.  These models provide opportunities to differentiate for all learners.  Personally, I was only extremely familiar with Bloom’s Taxonomy.  Yes, Bloom’s Taxonomy is a very important model to use in the classroom and allows for differentiation among all students, however, as I researched I found more and more wonderful models to use.  A particular favorite is The Renzulli Schoolwide Enrichment Triad Model (SEM).  Research using the SEM model shows both positive outcomes for both teachers and students.  Independent Studies allows for both creative thinking while taking on an analytical approach.  

I have tried various independent studies this year for my gifted students.  I have often feared this method of differentiation.  However, after reading multiple articles and chapters, I have learned how to successfully incorporate this idea in my classroom.  An important aspect I learned about conducting independent studies in my classroom, is the importance of constant communication among the teacher and participant.  Communication allows for the teacher to still serve as a facilitator in the students learning process.  

As I continue to go through Meredith’s program, I hope to one day fully incorporate differentiation into all learning units.  I hope to serve as an advocate for gifted learners at my school and increase the importance of serving this special population.