Differentiation Strategies To Use In Math.

 

Last time I looked at differentiation in general and this time.  Although the general framework is the same,  I'll be looking at strategies you can use in the math classroom to meet the needs of your students.  Sometimes what works in Language Arts or Social Studies doesn't always work in math.  It is important to have an arsenal of strategies to use in the classroom. 

One of the easiest strategies is to use task cards.  The task cards have different levels of problems so students can work on cards that have the appropriate problems that are just a bit challenging. If you color code the cards according to level, it allows students to move to another level when they feel as if they are ready.  I'll do more on task cards a bit later in the month.

Remember to give students a choice in how they will show they learned the material or as a general review.  They might write their own test questions, create a test review, play games, or make flash cards.  Yes, we can have students create flash cards in high school such as binomial multiplication, trinomial factoring, factoring in general, formulas, etc.  

Another possibility as far as choices is either using menu's or choice boards so students are able to select what they want to do.  Menus are better for assignments because you can offer a choice of which problems they do while choice boards are more for showing what they learned.

Think about using learning stations in the classroom. Learning stations and centers are considered different entities.  Centers are used to refine a skill or extend understanding of a concept while a learning station work on on different tasks that are all linked.  Students are not required to visit all learning stations, only the ones that have activities or tasks related to reach mastery.

Also consider using guided notes because it makes it easier for many students to copy down notes from the board.  If you have a student who has a lot of difficulty copying notes off the board, the notes will be more filled in before being given to the student but if they are great at copying notes, their paper will have more blanks. One way of using guided notes is by having students create an interactive notebook filled with foldables. The notebook can include a table of contents and/or be used during a test to help those who need a bit more.  In addition, it is an activity that has students folding, cutting, gluing, and writing so it helps keep hands occupied.  

Don't forget to look at technology because many apps and programs offer differentiation based on the students pre-assessment. Students who need more help will get the remediation while those who are more advanced will be given more challenging problems.  Technology also offers games designed to improve certain mathematical skills or have a chance to practice certain skills while receiving immediate feedback.

When talking in class speak slowly and clearly, especially if you have any English Language Learners.  This allows students to hear and process everything you say rather than tuning you out because you are speaking too fast.  

Think about using open ended projects.  Give students a list of projects to choose from so they can select the project that interests them.  Include the rubric or rubrics that will be used to grade student work.  The rubric might be different for a student who struggles versus the one who whizzes through all the assignments. 

This is just a few suggestions to get you started.  Remember, if you aren't using any of these strategies, you can start with just one.  I love using interactive notebooks because students have fun filling them out and sometimes they even add color to make their notes more interesting.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear. Have a great day.