Course Reflection

As educators, one of our main goals is to engage all students in their learning and support our students in becoming successful citizens in the 21st century. Differentiation is one strategy that is used by teachers to be able to meet the individual needs of the students. The needs of the students are determined by their readiness, interest level and learning style.

Students at the high school level are placed in mathematics classes according to their readiness level which is determined based on the previous course grades, scores on state required exams, and previous teacher recommendation. This course has allowed me to understand and learn how to differentiate to meet the students’ interests and learning styles with use of technology as appropriate.

Differentiation for struggling students:
-- Lunch Learning Center (LLC)
LLC is available to all students during lunch. LLC is staffed by two math teachers every day. During the LLC, students are able to receive help/support on standards practice as well as complete assessments.

-- Technology (Glenoce.com)
Our textbook publisher has provided resources available to students. Some of the resources are a Personal Tutor (podcasts that provide additional instruction) and practice quizzes. The on-line practice quizzes consist of 5 questions and students are allowed multiple attempts.

Differentiation for excelling students:
-- At the beginning of each unit/chapter, students will are provided with a list of the essential learnings/standards for which they need to demonstrate understanding and proficiency. The list provides standards practice for each essential learning. Students are allowed to work at their own pace and present a project to document achievement of standards through investigations/presentations.

Differentiation of Formative Assessments: (Student Choice)
-- Teacher Created Traditional Quiz
The quizzes consist of multiple choice, fill-in, and short answer questions.
-- On-line Quizzes (Glencoe.com)
Quizzes are available for each section of a chapter. Students are able to email the results of their quizzes to their teacher.


Differentiation of Summative Assessments: (Student Choice)
-- Teacher Created Traditional Test
The test consists of multiple choice, fill in, and short answer questions. This format of assessment prepares students for the required state exam.
-- An Investigation
Investigations allow students to apply the mathematical concepts to a real world situation or problem. Students use technology to conduct internet research as well as prepare a presentation using tools such as Power Point, a slide show, or Voice Thread. If students do not have access to technology, resources can be provided in printed format and the presentation can be completed in the form of a poster.
-- “How to” Presentation
“How to’ Presentation allows students to demonstrate their understanding through creating a presentation that instructs and guides other students in the process and use of the mathematical concepts. Students are able to use technology such as Power Point, Voice Thread, or Podcasts to create their presentation. If students do not have access to technology, students are able to create a poster.

Technology is a tool that supports teachers in differentiating instruction to reach and engage all learners. My hope is to begin implementing the above strategies into my classroom. My plan is to take one small step at a time.


References

Glencoe/McGraw-Hill. (2010). Algebra 1. Columbus, OH: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.