Differentiated Learning seems like a given in education. I can't believe there are many teachers that don't try to do these things. If they are not trying, they do not really care if their kids are learning and should get out of education!
In a math classroom we are a bit tied to the standards we have to cover and make sure the kids understand. In my Algebra class, my students get an outline sheet to fill in as I go over the notes. At the top of the notesheets, I always list the objectives that we will be covering that day. The class is a low level class, so our objectives are very basic and are very focused on what the state standards say we must do. We, as a group of Algebra teachers, have narrowed down exactly what these kids need to meet the requirements and to be successful in the next level math course. I can honestly say that I have no gifted kids in this class, so my instruction is geared toward a lower level of students.
We do have the kids sitting in pairs and encourage them to help each other when working on homework. We change these seats frequently so the kids get to meet and work with several others throughout the class. I do have some students that pick up things quicker than others so we try and pair up kids so that one of them is able to help the other. Sometimes though, it is the "blind leading the blind".
Our notesheets have several examples that we work through together in class before I have them do their homework assignment. I have typed most of their assignments, even most of the ones from the book, as years of teaching has reinforced the fact that kids hate bookwork and they will be more likely to do a worksheet rather than bookwork.
I try to give a non-graded quiz at least once a week. I make these very short and focused on what they must know. I collect them and "grade" them within one class period so that I can pass them back and talk with each student individually about their mistakes. I love to do this and would do this daily if time permitted. It is a great way to gage each students understanding.
I feel like differentiated instruction is just something that comes naturally to good teachers.
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