Differentiated Instruction

One of the big ideas in education is Differentiated Instruction (DI). DI makes it possible for all learners to learn at their own pace while challenging those that need challenged. When we are creating lessons, we are hoping to target all of our students and can use many ways to incorporate lessons that will develop skills in all levels of our students. ESL teachers face the same challenges that regular classroom teachers face, but sometimes, on a different scale. There are many programs available to do DI with ESL classes.

I have the unique circumstance to have worked with many students over many levels during the last few years. I have used and seen DI in multiple ways. One of the absolute best forms of DI that I saw was when at the elementary level as Media Specialist. We relied heavily on technology for many of the day to day experiences with DI. We have a program that the students use called eSpark. There is an app available that we access on iPads. This program is designed as a student-centered model that gives the students exactly what they need to succeed based on what their current skills are. This is a research based program that allows for struggling students to get the extra help they need, while challenging the students that have already mastered the essential skills.

eSpark is available in English and Spanish, which allows it to be a great tool for ESL classes and helps to bridge the gap between the non-English speaking students to the curriculum being taught. It can be used in small group instruction or individual work time. In my district, eSpark is utilized in many ways to help all of the students K-5. They all enjoy the modules where they make videos to teach and reteach how they solved mathematics problems. It has seemed to build confidence in the learning abilities of all the students as well as provide feedback to the teachers on what skills need focused on. More info can be found on their website for anyone that is interested. https://www.esparklearning.com/
WEEKLY UPDATE
It goes without saying that social networking is widely popular among students. It is important that we keep our students safe while online when at school and at home. Instagram has a school communities feature that allows for students to safely join a group with those verified students and alumni around them.

 http://hitechnewsdaily.com/2018/10/instagram-tests-school-networks-for-teen-growth-as-it-launches-scannable-nametags/

 Coding is a fast growing program in many of our high schools. There are many lessons that can be taught using coding skills including problem solving and order of operation. In South Carolina, they are offering free coding courses to adults. Many adults may have moderate to limited computer skill and feel hesitant to think about learning to code. These courses are designed to help people of all skill levels.

 https://www.postandcourier.com/business/sc-commerce-offers-free-online-coding-resource-for-residents/article_416412ba-c8b7-11e8-8a1f-dfed0f79bf59.html




Comments

  1. Vivian SmallwoodOctober 12, 2018 at 2:48 PM

    I just had a conversation with my 8th graders this week about social media, specifically Instagram. We were discussing dishonesty in social media and how people can manipulate their digital reputation because we control 100% of what we post on our pages. Like you stated, it is imperative that we keep kids safe while they are engaging with their classmates online, especially when most of the issues between students are born digitally and then brought to school. I think having a verified school Instagram group would be a great way to reach out to students in a medium that they are familiar with, however I would still be concerned about what they post about themselves or others. I would be wary of students who get into arguments with others and decide to post something that was seen by the verified school group and spread throughout the school very quickly.

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  2. Special Ed. On WheelsOctober 13, 2018 at 9:19 AM

    As a special ed. teacher, I'm very interested in any tool that helps make differentiated instruction easier. I have not used eSpark but will check it out. I have a lot of empathy for the regular ed. teachers who have to deal with so many students who have IEPs. It's easy to talk the talk about differentiation, but not so easy to walk the walk. Technology is making it much easier though. Our school is 1:1 with iPads and the speech tools allow any students who struggle with reading hear any content they see on the screen. Years ago, this kind of accommodation would be a massive undertaking for teachers, not it's just a matter of clicking a few switches in the settings.

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