Differentiating Instruction

As a student, a mom,  and a Montessori teacher, I strongly believe that the one-size-fits all approach to teaching is the most damaging. In my opinion, the ability to differentiate instruction is what makes the best teachers stand above the rest. I believe that the first thing needed to be able to differentiate instruction to your students is to know them...truly get to know each child. If you know what kind of learner they are and what makes them "tick", I believe you can give them all the best possible education. One way I've gotten to know the learning styles of the students in my class is to give them a learning inventory. This not only can be used as a tool for me, but I like to see them reflect on how they feel they learn best. Assessing often is another way to really know where your kids are at. If I know where they all stand in a subject, or even a single topic, I can then group the kids and give smaller group lessons. By knowing how the kids learn best, I can give different tasks or follow-ups to the kids on the same topic. This gives them an opportunity to become an expert on their portion of the topic taught, and then share that with the class. Another, more traditional way to differentiate is to give different homework as needed. I really feel that there is no right or wrong way to differentiate instruction, you just need to know your students and the rest will come.