Differential instruction: bringing out the best

Differential instruction was what was covered today in class, I found it helpful to help clarify what is really is, and what it means for the teacher and the student. It gives us all a chance at being successful. The definition that was given states that ' the teacher modifies the content,process and products, through student readiness,interests, and learning profile.' Differential learning gives responsibility to both the teacher and the student when it is effectively done. For a teacher to modify the content, process and product, there is a lot of work involved and time spent outside of what is seen and so when it is done right, the modified lesson plans encourage and excite the student to learn, achieve and want to do both of those as well. There is a very obvious difference between a student who care and doesn't care in school, one of the most obvious reasons is how information is presented.

Under the heading of 'how information is presented' I can compare and contrast my learning. I have had all types of teachers and they have taught in all different ways and methods. I can learn in most of those environments, but I do find it extremely tough to learn in an intimidating environment, and those come in all shapes and sizes as well. It can depend on class size, the ages, the layout of a classroom, how the lesson is taught, and so on, and so this brings me to my next point. In the best of differential instruction there are always factors that we don't expect, or predict and so it's very important for a teacher to be able to adapt and readapt. That is why it is important to understand the different students learning profiles. If you understand their learning profile it will help a teacher to transform the lesson that didn't pan out into something that still falls under that particular learning profile and will engage that student.

Learning profiles as a whole cover a very broad spectrum, but when they are individualized and correctly done they are an extremely useful tool and worth the time spent on them. It helps you to relate to a student which will both help them to feel more comfortable and ask for help, as well as creating a project or assignment that will bring out the best in them.