Differentiation is a big word for some of us… too big to manage in our classrooms. Yet the reality of many language B/ 2nd Language etc teachers is that they end up with a wide range of learners in one classroom. This can become an almost unmanageable situation when the divide breaks into groups with varying attention, motivation, and focus. To imagine that a teacher can adapt one lesson to these multiple needs, abilities and directions is foolhardy. There are many strategies for differentiation that I know. Some with mixed level subgroups and others with same ability level groupings. My own approach includes a focus on the whole class culture. Through a simple discussion format, I take a clear look at WHO the participants of the class are, and what their collective skill level represents….we come up with a visual model to describe their profile as language learners. We then choose logical and appropriate roles for each subgroup, and hold a collective vote to take a strategic approach to accepting our differences as learners. The end result is buy in from the students, and an established structure in the classroom culture that more readily allows for differentiation. … Below you will find the two part video explaining this approach. Total run time is about 12 minutes.
Here is Part 1 of the visual model: (6 mins)
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