Differentiated Instruction - Fitting the Lesson to the Learner (Ch. 7)

Abstract:
This chapter focuses on the importance of differentiated instruction in the classroom. Differentiated instruction is basically teaching all students at all levels in ways accommodated to that particular student so that they can successfully process and learn the information provided. The chapter gives a few characteristics of a teacher that are helpful in implementing differentiated instruction. Some of those are, being organized, staying flexible, being resourceful, having empathy, and being able to collaborate. These qualities are really important in teaching, especially for differentiated instruction. Incorporating every students' learning needs into lessons to bring everyone to the same level of understanding is a very difficult task. The chapter explains that it can be done and learning the skill early on will prevent any instances of looking back and knowing if you had used differentiated instruction for a certain student it would have made a huge difference.

Reflection:
This chapter really brought me back to the practicum days of examining all different ways I could access learners. It is so much work to do this in any lesson, but in the end it is worth while because the chances of having to go back and revisit information are far less. If the subject can be taught in a way that students will understand and really take in then it is worth the extra mile for creating another angle on the lesson. This is one of the most important, but most difficult parts of teaching in my opinion and it is something I think I will have to work very hard with to get the hang of. It is something that I also feel is to be learned on the basis of experience, the more practice I have, the easier it will be implement.