Fulfilling the Promise- Ch. 1- What's Behind the Idea of DIfferentiated Classrooms?

For the most part, I liked this chapter. It is written in a way that is easy to understand and was easy to follow. It kind of laid down the basics and really defined what a differentiated classroom is. It pointed out some interesting points I really hadn't thought of. Students that need to be be carefully considered and examined are students who: learn faster, learn slower, are just learning english, has a different culture then the dominant one in the classroom, an if a student has "given up"on school. They list all the factors and why this is such an issue. I know I will have students from all different races and backgrounds in my class. I also know that there will be students on all different types of levels of learning. It talks about how differentiated instruction is responsive instruction and occurs when teachers become proficient in UNDERSTANDING THEIR STUDENTS AS INDIVIDUALS. I think that is the most important thing I got out of this chapter. Just to look at each student, see that they all do have a story and take the time to show that you genuinely care about them and to let them know that you want them to succeed. No teacher wants to see their students fail, at least I dont. I would love all my students to be successful as a student and a life long learner. I agree with the 4 steps i goes through: readiness, interest, learning profile, and affect. I know you need to take all those into consideration when modifying or just teaching a lesson cause obviously not every student learns at the same pace. This chapter gave some good ideas of how to look and assess each of those in helping each student individually. I really liked the metaphor they used with the little prince and the fox. "Taming" takes time, practice, and listening. Those are all CRITICAL key factors in teaching differentiated instruction. I can really see how this applies. I am anxious to see it "hands on" in my field work and student teaching and put the things I have been reading about into practice. The last quote from a california educator Jill Carroll really stood out to me to. She basically states that it is really important to not just do a bunch of differentiated activities but to actually understand the reason and rationale behind it. She also states that, "teachers are likely to modify an activity in a way that defeats a purpose." I need to understand that and be cautious of that cause I have seen it happen before and I think it is a very easy mistake to make. Theory and examples are both very important when teaching lessons. You need to have both in order for your students the be successful!