Wondering how differentiated instruction can be applied in a virtual classroom? Tired of teaching a fixed “one-fits-all” way and not being understood by many students? The differentiated instruction approach for teaching assists you to match it to the specific learner styles and needs. Check out on how you can take them into consideration.
“Learners work at different levels and reach a different degree of learning acquisition.”
Differentiated instruction is a popular approach for teaching and learning which takes into consideration the variety of learner needs. For the implementation of the differential approach understanding of each learner needs or the needs of a small group of learners is essential as opposed to teaching according to a fixed average level whereas all students are perceived as similar. The aim is a maximal development and individual success. This is accomplished by different teaching and group management strategies. Learners work at different levels and reach a different degree of learning acquisition. Teaching should be in accordance with the different learner levels and their learning styles by means of personalisation of questions, alternative grouping, and additional materials.
The application of the Universal Organisation Principles is advisable when it comes to the differentiation of virtual instruction. They represent a learning environment model which involves 3 types of flexibility and alternatives and are completely applicable to VEDAMO virtual classroom and LMS:
- A variety of ways for content presentation
- A variety of forms for learner self-expression
- А variety of ways for learner interest engagement
A variety of ways for content presentation
For instance: Presenting content into different forms – video, audio and presentation. Reading materials with additional resources, e.g. audio files. Presentations at different levels of difficulty. Graphic representation of concepts, mind-maps. Illustrative presentation such as diagrams and simulations.
A variety of forms for learner self-expression
For instance: Assigning tasks based on media, drawing, maps, diagrams, video, presentations or web pages. Providing change for the textual assignments by including plans, mind-maps, tables, diagrams, practice activities such as shared writing and text editing.
А variety of ways for learner interest engagement
For instance: Role plays, discussions, brainstorming, team projects, online experiments, community building.
“When teaching online it is important to follow the principles of clarity and accessibility of instructions and content.”
The aim of this approach is to create learning possibilities for students by meeting a wide range of learning needs. When teaching online it is important to follow the principles of clarity and accessibility of instructions and content, data concreteness, options availability, own tempo, clear-cut expectations, multi-channel presentation, showing-not-telling approach, and consistent lesson structure. Students taught in courses along this method appreciate the possibility of being able to choose among options which meet their specific learning preferences and learning styles.
