1. By: Team D: Tiffany Nelson, Monica Ryan, Witney
Wilcox
Course: MTE 533
Date: May 12, 2014
Instructor: Dr. Sylvia Hill
2. Table of Contents
Differentiation
Four Trends of Differentiating Instruction for Math and
Science
Flexible Grouping
Learning Centers
Inquiry-Based Instruction
Technology
Conclusion
References
3. Differentiation
“Differentiation means giving students
multiple options for taking in information.
Differentiating instruction means that
you observe and understand the
differences and similarities among
students and use this information to plan
instruction (Tomlinson,1999).”
4. Four Trends in Differentiating
Instruction for Math and Science
Inquiry based Instruction
Technology
Flexible Grouping
Learning Centers
5. Flexible Grouping
Flexible grouping decisions are made with ongoing
assessments to meet the identified academic, social, and
emotional needs of each learner.
Initially used when there is a whole group assessment or
instruction.
Students are divided by their needs:
Review
Re-teaching
Practice
Enrichment.
Grouping could be:
A single lesson or objective
A set of skills
A unit of study
Concept or theme.
Flexible grouping is temporary.
6. Flexible Grouping
Is Beneficial To Students…
Input comes from different types of learning styles and
perspectives.
Promotes quick mastery of information and ideas
Allows for deep exploration by students.
Gives more time for mastery.
Students work with a wide variety of peers developing
social skills and understanding of diverse peers.
Optimal learning can be facilitated as the teacher can
concentrate on specific needs of each group..
7. Flexible Grouping
Can Be Used For Math & Science
Flexible grouping can be used in math and
science for:
Open ended activities enhancing critical
thinking, conceptual development, and
generalizations.
Multidisciplinary Themes
Presenting New Content
Hands on Science Experiments
Math Drills and Practice
Studying for Recall
Students benefit from a multi-faceted
approach to instruction
8. Flexible Grouping
Issues
Issues of Respect:
Group members need to respect each other
or regrouping needs to occur.
If content is old for some of the group
member, not all members will benefit.
Grouping needs to be carefully planned
or some groups will not be productive
nor challenged enough.
9. Learning Centers
“A learning center is a space set aside in
the classroom that allows easy access to a
variety of learning materials in an
interesting and productive manner
(Teachervision, 2014).”
Learning Centers Include:
Enrichment Centers
Skill Centers
Interest and Exploratory Centers
10. Learning Centers Is Beneficial To
Students
Students Can Learn At Their Own Pace
and Natural Curiosity.
Students Gain Hands On Experiences
Increases Motivation and Engagement
Allows for Genuine, Meaningful Learning
and Discoveries.
11. Learning Centers Can Be Used For
Math & Science
Students can take a more active role in
their learning.
Math & Science Centers Offer:
Valuable Reviews
Practice
Differentiated Enriching Materials for Deeper
Understanding
Increases Student Motivation
Fosters Independence
Fosters Explorative Learning
Challenges Advanced Students
13. Inquiry Based Instruction
Inquiry-based teaching is a perfect complement to a child’s natural
curiosity about the world and how it works (Jarrett, 1997).
Math Science
Systematic method of
making observations
Organizing the
observations
Encompasses more than
arithmetic and algorithms
More than calculation or
deduction
Reveals hidden patterns
Provides better
understanding of world
around them
Scientific inquiry more
complex
Observations are subtle,
flexible, and demanding
Engages students in
investigative nature
Involves investigative
knowledge and skills
14. Inquiry Based Learning for Diverse Learners
Inquiry-based instruction may better connect ELLs and other students from
diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds to science and math learning
(Amaral, Garrison, & Klentschy, 2002; Lee, Buxton, Lewis, & LeRoy, 2006).
Great need to link science and math to education to
diverse learners
Often presented with disconnected facts in test
preparation
Students are not given the opportunity to engage in
authentic and active learning
Inquiry based instruction teaches additional learning
skills
Helps students view lessons differently for productive
learning
15. Technology in Math and Science
Math Science
Find solutions to simple
and complex problems
Teach the students
different methods of
problem solving
With write boards the
students can learn
through fun interactive
activities
Students will learn on
graphing calculators
Enhances the learning
experience
Provides different modes
of teaching
Makes scientific views
more understandable
The internet is a great
source
16. Technology for Diverse Learner
Teachers have access to technology to help teach
science and Math to divers learners
Digital text
Audio
Text to speech
Enhanced text
Software
Visual aides
17. Conclusion
In conclusion Differentiated instruction is a way to reach
students with different learning styles, different abilities
to absorb information and different ways of expressing
what they have learned. Laura Robb is an expert in the
field of differentiated instruction, and, as such, she has
command of the theory and research as well as hands-
on experience in the classroom (Scholastic, 2014).
It is a great idea to use these four trends in a classroom
to help students along the way, Flexible grouping,
Learning Centers, Inquiry Based instruction, and
Technology. If they are used the right way, they will be
great for implementing them into Math and Science
lessons. The best part is they work with diverse
students.
18. References
Amaral., Garrrison., & Klentschy. (2007, December 1). CALS Research and
Impact. Teaching science and inquiry-based learning in an urban culturally
diverse classroom. Retrieved May 12, 2014, from
http://impact.cals.cornell.edu/project/teaching-science-and-inquiry-based-
learning-urban-culturally-diverse-classroom
Jarrett, D. (1997, May 1). Inquiry Strategies for Science and Mathematics
Learning. . Retrieved May 12, 2014, from
http://educationnorthwest.org/webfm_send/748
Pearson Education Inc.. (2014). Learning Centers in the Classroom.
Retrieved from http://www.teachervision.com.learning-center/teaching-
methods/58769.html
Scholastic Inc.. (2014). What is Differentiated Instruction? Retrieved from
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/what-differentiated-instruction
Tomlinson, C (2000). How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed-Ability
Classrooms, ASCD.