Differentiated Instruction, Differentiated Learning

Differentiated Instruction, Differentiated Learning

What is Differentiated Learning?

Differentiated instruction refers to a set of teaching methodologies used to address the varying educational needs of today’s diverse student populations. Educators trained in the use of differentiated teaching methods are experts at applying practical solutions during classroom instruction and planning. Educators will learn how to identify the many different learning styles and preferences among their students. This information is then used to plan effective instruction that challenges the student on his or her current level and prepares them to move to the next level of achievement. Originally created to meet the needs of advanced learners, differentiated instructional methods have grown to include all learners, regardless of where they fit within the academic spectrum.

Why is Differentiated Instruction critical today?

• Enables teachers to open up learning opportunities for all students by offering varied learning experiences.
• Allows teachers to put research-based best practices into a meaningful context for learning.
• Helps teachers to understand and use assessment as a critical tool to drive instruction.
• Adds new instructional strategies to teachers' "toolboxes" -- introducing or reinforcing techniques to help teachers focus on essentials of curriculum.
• Gives administrators, teachers, and students an instructional management system to more efficiently meet the demands of high stakes testing.
• Meets curriculum requirements in a meaningful way for achieving students' success.

Differentiated Instruction Career Options

Teachers who have completed advanced studies in differentiated instruction not only work to increase student achievement in their own classrooms, but often work as teacher-trainers within their own schools and districts. They are often seen modeling specific teaching methods in classrooms or conducting professional development seminars for groups of teachers. Some of the career options available include:

• Teacher Trainer
• Lead Teacher
• Model Teacher
• Curriculum Coach
• Instructional Coach
• TOSA (Teacher On Special Assignment)

Differentiated Instruction Education and Training Requirements

Teachers completing this program should already possess an undergraduate degree and a teaching certification, as this program does not lead to certification or licensure. During this program of study, teachers will continually add to their own repertoire of teaching practices, or their teacher toolbox. Formative assessment is one such method used in differentiated instruction that allows teachers to informally assess student knowledge and comprehension. The teacher then takes the information received from the formative assessment and adjusts instruction accordingly.

Differentiated Instruction Certificate
Online Program

This 5-course online program is based on the philosophy and theories of Dr.  Carol Tomlinson. Addressing the issue of response to intervention (RTI), this program provides a thorough introduction to differentiated instruction.

Topics covered in the Differentiated Instruction Certificate program:

• Identifying learning styles and preferences.
• Designing more dynamic and engaging lessons and units.
• Challenging all students at appropriate levels.
• Developing ongoing, authentic assessment techniques.
• Utilizing differentiated instruction to benefit both general and special education students.

Dr. Tomlinson, who appears as a video instructor in several of the program's courses, is a world-renowned expert in differentiated instruction and assessment strategies and techniques. Dr. Tomlinson is author of The Differentiated Classroom: Responding to the Needs of All Learners, How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed-Ability Classrooms and Fulfilling the Promise of the Differentiated Classroom: Strategies and Tools for Responsive Teaching.

The program provides meaningful course of study regardless of subject area certification and is open to all licensed K-12 teachers who are currently teaching. Applicants must have a Bachelors and must be currently teaching in a classroom.

Courses for the Differentiated Instruction Certificate Program

To earn this certificate, a teacher must complete 15 semester hours. These five 3-credit-hour courses are in a nine-week format with five terms per year.

Introduction to Differentiation: Applying Learner-Centered Instruction
This course provides an introduction to the philosophy of differentiation. It will examine ways that classrooms can effectively support differentiating instruction and assessment to address the complex challenges of meeting the diverse learning needs of all students. Also covered are such issues as fairness and grading, developing study and academic skills and challenging all students at appropriate levels.

Differentiated Instructional Strategies: Meeting the Diverse Needs of Students
This course is designed to give participants the knowledge and skills to implement differentiated instruction successfully in their own classrooms. Topics include strategies for meeting the needs of an increasingly diverse student population within the context of today's challenging standards-based curriculum. Real-life video demonstrations will illustrate how to adapt curriculum content, processes and products to match students' readiness, interests and learning profiles.

Differentiated Assessment Strategies: Identifying Learners' Strengths and Needs
This course is designed to teach participants how to gather information through formal and informal assessment that will help them plan instruction more effectively. It will teach participants how to best utilize tests, surveys, checklists and guidelines to accurately assess their students' progress and plan for their continued success. Participants will also learn how to use ongoing assessment and assessment during learning to improve the effectiveness of their lessons.

Teaching in the Inclusive Classroom: Instructional Strategies for All Students
This course is designed to present participants with practical strategies to maximize learning for all students, including those with special needs. Participants will learn inclusive teaching techniques first hand with video visits to classrooms where teachers are successfully educating both general and special education students. Course learning activities will teach you how to design and implement curriculum modifications and activity adaptations based on the strengths and needs of students.

Differentiation and Literacy
This course provides a research-based overview of differentiated instruction and its application to literacy. Participants will explore instructional strategies designed to address K-12 students' individual strengths, interests and readiness in reading and writing. Assessment approaches that support differentiated instructional practices will be addressed. Prerequisite: EDUC5660.

• Differentiated Instruction - Master of Education
• Mild / Moderate Special Education - Master of Education