Diverse Learners & Special EducationDifferentiation in the Elementary Classroom
The elementary classroom today, is more diverse, inclusive, and plugged in to technology than ever before and although schools today are changing so rapidly, the power of differentiation remains the same and the need is ever growing! Teachers today are under tremendous pressure to help ensure students meet a set of rigorous, standardized learning topics. Differentiation in the Elementary Classroom will guide teachers with the division of time, resources, and efforts to effectively instruct their students.
Course details+
The elementary classroom today, is more diverse, inclusive, and plugged in to technology than ever before and although schools today are changing so rapidly, the power of differentiation remains the same and the need is ever growing! Teachers today are under tremendous pressure to help ensure students meet a set of rigorous, standardized learning topics. Differentiation in the Elementary Classroom will guide teachers with the division of time, resources, and efforts to effectively instruct their students.
After completing this course, you should be able to:
- Define what constitutes a differentiated classroom
- Identify the principles that can be applied to create an engaging classroom
- List the various proven activities to use in the differentiated classroom
- Recognize classroom management techniques and strategies for differentiating lessons
Syllabus & lessons+
Module 1 - Why A Differentiated Classroom?
Module 2 - Interactive Learning Experiences
Module 3 - Strategies in a Differentiated Classroom
Module 4 - Implementing Differentiation
Differentiation in the Elementary Classroom Module 1
Why A Differentiated Classroom?
As we begin our journey through the differentiated classroom, it is important to first recognize what constitutes a differentiated class. Included in our first week, we will examine the various portraits of differentiated classrooms, how curriculum is organized to support learning within these classes, and how teachers and students can work together to achieve success within this environment.
- What Differentiation Is and Is Not
- Ensuring Continued Growth and Progress
- Building a Healthy Classroom Community
- Fostering Growth Mindset
- Articulating Learning Goals
Differentiation in the Elementary Classroom Module 2
Interactive Learning Experiences
Module two will explore how teachers learn what the students already know by using pre-assessment tools and techniques. We will cover how to design a pre-assessment. We will also examine how to provide interactive learning experiences in order to get students engaged with the content and their classmates.
- Pre-Assessment Planning
- How Do I Know What Students Already Know?
- How Do I Get Students Engaged with the Content and with One Another?
- Tools & Strategies
- Learning Experiences
Differentiation in the Elementary Classroom Module 3
Strategies in a Differentiated Classroom
The third week takes us through the various proven activities to use in the differentiated classroom. There are many strategies that invite teachers to examine the needs of small groups and individuals, as opposed to teaching as though all learners share the same readiness level, interests, and modes of learning. Module three will explore in detail how to use these approaches in your classroom.
- Using Formative Assessment
- Student Readiness
- Student Interest
- Learning Preference
- Motivation and Investment
Differentiation in the Elementary Classroom Module 4
Implementing Differentiation
In module four, we will look at some guidelines to consider for promising ways to manage, plan, implement, and lead the differentiated classroom. Also included this week is deal with roadblocks and ways to work around them.
- How Do Teachers Manage Differentiation
- Does Differentiation Make a Difference?
- Launching Differentiation Tasks
- Getting Students Into Groups
- Ensuring Task Completion
Instructor+
Beth Fellion
Beth has over 25 years of experience in the education field. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Spanish and a Master’s degree as a Reading Specialist from the University of New York at Potsdam. She has a taught at various grade levels in the public school system and also in a wide variety of specialties, such as teaching Spanish elementary grades, teaching visually impaired students, and substitute teaching. Beth is also currently an adjunct professor at the State University of New York at Potsdam.
Prerequisites+
No prerequisites required.
Instructional materials+
All materials included in course.
System requirements+
Internet Connection
- Broadband or High-Speed - DSL, Cable, and Wireless Connections
*Dial-Up internet connections will result in a diminished online experience. Classroom pages may load slowly and viewing large audio and video files may not be possible.
Hardware Requirements
- Processor - 2GHz Processor or Higher
- Memory - 1 GB RAM Minimum Recommended
PC Software Requirements
- Operating Systems - Windows 10 or higher
- Microsoft Office 2019 or higher. Also, you could use a general Word Processing application to save and open Microsoft Office formats (.doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx)
- Internet Browsers - Google Chrome is highly recommended
- Cookies MUST be enabled
- Pop-ups MUST be allowed (Pop-up Blocker disabled)
- The Kindle Reader App or VitalSource Bookshelf App are needed for many of our courses (No special equipment needed. This can be downloaded for FREE onto your computer.)
- PowerPoint Viewer (if you do not have PowerPoint)
- Adobe PDF Reader
- QuickTime, Windows Media Player &/or Real Player
MAC Software Requirements
- Operating Systems - Mac OS version 11 or higher
- Mac office programs or a Word Processing application to save and open Microsoft Office formats (.doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx)
- Internet Browsers - Google Chrome is highly recommended
- Cookies MUST be enabled
- Pop-ups MUST be allowed (Pop-up Blocker disabled)
- The Amazon Kindle Reader App or VitalSource Bookshelf App are needed for many of our courses (No special equipment needed. This can be downloaded for FREE onto your computer.)
- PowerPoint Viewer (if you do not have PowerPoint)
- Adobe PDF Reader
- Apple QuickTime Media Player
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