Differentiation: Putting Theory into Practice

EDZU 9017 (3 credits / 45 hours)

Location: Online
Instructor: Dawn Nachtigall

Start Date: 04/17/2024
End Date: 05/21/2024

Course Syllabus

Creating lessons and assessments that meet the needs of all the types of learners in our classrooms can be a very daunting task. Students are unique individuals and learn in very different ways. In this course, we will explore why differentiation is necessary and how to implement it. We will create lessons differentiated by learning styles as well as ability levels. In the end, we will critique what we already do in our classrooms and design new ideas that will lead to effective instruction for all our students.

Teachers enrolled in this course will...

Know

• what differentiation is
• when it is appropriate to differentiate
• where teachers can get the time & resources to create a differentiated classroom
• how differentiation can be implemented in all types of classrooms
• what a tiered lesson is and the steps necessary to create one

Understand

• why it is important to differentiate
• how students can be smart in many ways
• how to create lessons that speak to many different learning styles
• the importance of getting students to recognize their own learning styles
• how tiered activities can be used to meet the needs of above level, at level and below level learners

and Be Able To

• evaluate how well previously used lessons are meeting the needs of a variety of learners
• design ways to adapt previously used lessons to address different learning styles and ability levels
• incorporate choice into lessons and assessments so that all types of learners find the content accessible to them
• design tiered lessons and assessments for use in their current teaching situations