1. While studying at CalStateTEACH, I have developed many skills and broadened my
understanding of Differentiated Instruction and Bloom’s Taxonomy. Differentiated
Instruction in education is the way an educator anticipates and responds to the
many needs students have within the classroom. Today’s classrooms have students
with many diverse needs, whether they are developmental, social, or physical; a
teacher needs to differentiate instruction by modifying content, process, and
product, without lowering expectations or standards. Some benefits of
differentiating instruction include the application and implementation of several
teaching strategies that address all student needs, learning styles, and abilities,
while creating a positive, inclusive learning environment that makes it possible for
everyone to learn effectively. Bloom’s taxonomy places an emphasis on higher
order thinking, starting with the most fundamental within the education system and
advancing through to the most complex. Bloom’s builds on 21st century skills and
challenges students to build on previous knowledge, analyze, evaluate and think
critically. Bloom’s taxonomy is beneficial to educators because it provides them with
a common language to discuss and exchange assessment methods and learning
strategies. Specific objectives and assessments can be drawn from the taxonomy,
providing teachers with a goal and evaluation for student success.