Differentiated instruction is an approach to teaching that recognizes students learn in different ways and at different paces. It involves teaching in ways that allow for individual student differences so that all students within a classroom can learn effectively. The presentation provides examples of how differentiation can look in the classroom through varying activities, materials, and content. It also provides resources teachers can use to begin differentiating instruction, such as WebQuests and websites with articles and support materials on the topic. The overall message is that differentiation does not have to conflict with standards-based teaching and can help all students within a classroom learn.

1. Differentiated Instruction...
Because One Size Does Not Fit All!
A presentation by Julie Lambert

3. Differentiation is...

5. “Each person is known to
have a certain gift
and certain ability
and is therefore able to
make a contribution
to the whole.”
Hiwi Tauroa, 2001, p. 44

7. “The biggest mistake of
past centuries has been to
treat all children as if they
were variants of the same
individual and thus to feel
justified in teaching them
all the same way.”
Howard Gardner, 2001, p.86

9. “The greatest danger for most of us is not that
our aim is too high and we miss it,
but that it is too low and we reach it.”
Michelangelo

11. What differentiation
looks like...

12. Sometimes we read...

13. Sometimes we
work with charts
and diagrams.

14. “If a child can’t learn the way we teach,
maybe we should teach
the way they learn.”
Ignacio Estrada

15. Sometimes we use
equipment...

17. Sometimes we use audio/visual
materials and technology...

18. This is a screen snapshot of a video clip we
accessed at www.unitedstreaming.com .

19. So where to begin?
A simple search of the internet will lead you to
more information than you will ever need.
Here are a few springboards.

20. www.webquest.org

21. WebQuests...
are teacher designed
keep specific learning goals in mind
provide relevant Internet links (no random Google
searches)
work for individuals and small groups
for research, problem solving, and basic skills
differentiate by readiness or interest
Tomlinson, 2001, p.59

22. www.internet4classroom.com/di.htm
This website provides one of the
most comprehensive collections
of articles and support materials
for differentiated instruction. It
is well-worth your time to
explore this site.

23. Differentiation does not have to be in opposition to
today’s standards-based approach.

24. So why differentiate?

26. The End!