Curriculum Project
For my curriculum project, I needed to create a curriculum to be used for gifted and talented students in a summer camp. The curriculum was very successful in the summer camp, and was adapted to use as the first 9 weeks introduction to the yearlong STEM class I created at Fuller Middle School. Eventually this course as well as other programs I helped implement were recognized by the ISEA, which named Fuller Middle School a 2013 STEM School of Excellence.
DIFFERENTIATED instruction
Differentiating Instruction can be both a challenging task and a rewarding one at the same time. Designed differentiation simple means to create lessons with options to meet the students where they are, not where the teacher thinks they should or wants them to be. A teacher can differentiate by content, process or product; and then choosing to cater to the students readiness, interests, or learning profile. Over the years I have done several student choice units and lessons. As time goes on, I get better at managing the different levels of instruction and various assignments.
A few years back I had the privilege of hearing Dr. Rick Wormeli speak at the Association of Middle Level educators conference. It was a brief session, but the message was clear. If teachers expect student mastery, why do we give them only one chance to get it right? You can view a YouTube video here which is very similar to the conference session I attended. Giving a zero for a missed assignment date, or giving an F on a test that a student forgot about, does not teach responsibility as many teachers think, but actually has the reverse effect according to Dr. Wormeli.
I have been allowing redos and retakes since I began teaching in 2010. I never thought of it as differentiated instruction, but it definitely is. It is a strategy that meets the student where they are, not where I think they should be. While keeping deadlines, due dates and teaching responsibility are important, it is also important to remember that middle school years are considered to be very formidable, and if a student loses interest or zeal in 7th grade, what can be expected of them through high school?
A few years back I had the privilege of hearing Dr. Rick Wormeli speak at the Association of Middle Level educators conference. It was a brief session, but the message was clear. If teachers expect student mastery, why do we give them only one chance to get it right? You can view a YouTube video here which is very similar to the conference session I attended. Giving a zero for a missed assignment date, or giving an F on a test that a student forgot about, does not teach responsibility as many teachers think, but actually has the reverse effect according to Dr. Wormeli.
I have been allowing redos and retakes since I began teaching in 2010. I never thought of it as differentiated instruction, but it definitely is. It is a strategy that meets the student where they are, not where I think they should be. While keeping deadlines, due dates and teaching responsibility are important, it is also important to remember that middle school years are considered to be very formidable, and if a student loses interest or zeal in 7th grade, what can be expected of them through high school?
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Differentiation by Content
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Differentiation by Product
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Differentiation by Process
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