221+Agenda+-+11.14.13

Differentiation is a really cool teaching technique because it gives kids different ways to learn the lesson. I really like it because it lets kids go at their own pace and they aren't all doing the same thing but in the end each student understands his or her notes in their own way and they each took away something out of that lesson. It beats power points because every kid writes what is on the power point and just goes through the motions, with differentiate instruction each kid is engaged at their own level. I really liked the menu guide the teacher in New York used, with how she had an 3 levels of understanding and it started simple with a graphic organizer or something like that, then it got to dessert where you need to do an overview of the entire chapter. It really got kids to read in depth and it was really cool to watch. One thing that concerned me though is how to get unmotivated students to do their work in a differentiate classroom. If a student is unmotivated then it will be extremely hard for a teacher to devote their attention, just to that student because there is so much going around in that classroom and other kids who are motivated will have questions. It could pose a problem to get some kids to actually complete their work. user:pauljm12

The part of differentiation that I like is that it allows students at a speed that is best for them. I know that I personally have felt rushed along with particular concepts in school because everyone else understood and I did not. You never really want to be the one person to speak up though. I think a lot of students feel the same way from time to time. Differentiation kind of reminds me one room school houses in a way, because each student is moving at their own pace and moving on when they feel ready. In some senses I think that would be a good way to engage students, but at the same time I think it would be very easy for students to get lost and easy for teachers to become overwhelmed or lose track of which student is where regarding material and progress. Also, I agree with Paul. It would be interesting to work with if students were unmotivated. I feel like this method would work best in a class of students who are high achievers or at least not struggling a lot. user:Christina_R1

8:00 - 8:15 - Welcome and Review (Jackie)
 * Notetaker: Christina
 * Photographer: Jackie
 * Reviewer: Victoria


 * Objectives: **
 * **I can explain the rationale for differentiated instruction.**
 * **I can describe what it means to differentiate by product, process, and content.**

8:15 - 8:45 - Differentiation Discussion

What does this have to do with teaching and learning? []
 * Why would a teacher choose to differentiate instruction?
 * What are the primary goals of differentiation?
 * What does it mean to differentiate by product, process, and content?
 * What are some specific instructional strategies that can be used to differentiate?
 * What are some potential benefits and challenges of differentiating?

8:45 - 9:15 - Rotation A

9:15 - 9:45 - Rotation B

9:45 - 10:15 - Rotation C

10:15 - 10:40 - Issues from the Field

**Learning Centers** 1. __Instructional Conversation__

- Differentiation Cue Card __ Some Common DI Strategies __
 * R.A.F.T.S - http://daretodifferentiate.wikispaces.com/R.A.F.T.+Assignments
 * Student Choice Boards - http://daretodifferentiate.wikispaces.com/Choice+Boards
 * Tiered Curriculum - http://daretodifferentiate.wikispaces.com/Tiering

2. __iPads and Differentiated Instruction__
 * How can you imagine using iPads to differentiate instruction?
 * http://www.teachthought.com/apps-2/the-55-best-best-free-education-apps-for-ipad/
 * Explore the link above (or others) to answer the question. Be prepared to share at least 3 general ideas and 3 content-area specific ideas. (Post your responses on the wiki)


 * Our Ideas**

using the iPads can really help those students who lose focus easily. It also allows for student freedom and responsibility which can be empowering. 3. __Choice Board__


 * Housekeeping:**
 * For next class, P.E.T. Inquiry-Based Instruction - Post a comment on the agenda board that DIRECTLY REFLECTS your learning from the P.E.T.
 * Dec 3 - Draft 1 of TPA Key Assessment Project (see syllabus for directions)
 * Check GoogleDocs for my feedback. You should respond to my comments on a minimum of two activity guides.