Differentiated Instruction Flashcards

Which DI approach addresses students' 'interest' as a dimension of differentiation?

Answer: Allowing students to explore the same concept through a topic of personal passion

Interest-based differentiation connects curriculum content to students' personal passions to increase engagement and motivation.

In a TJHSST science class, a teacher uses 'think-alouds' with some students while others work independently. This differentiates by:

Answer: Process

Think-alouds are a process scaffold that helps students see how to work through complex problems step-by-step.

What is the key distinction between 'differentiation' and 'individualization' in instruction?

Answer: Differentiation uses clusters of similar needs; individualization tailors to one student at a time

Differentiation addresses patterns of need across groups of students, making it scalable, while individualization targets a single student.

Which formative assessment tool gives a teacher the QUICKEST real-time data for differentiating a lesson mid-class?

Answer: A quick poll or thumbs up/thumbs down check for understanding

Quick in-the-moment checks like polls or hand signals provide immediate data to adjust instruction during the lesson.

A TJHSST history teacher gives all students the same essential question but provides primary sources at three different reading levels. This differentiates by:

Answer: Content

Adjusting the complexity or abstraction of the materials students use to learn is differentiation by content.

Which of the following BEST represents a 'low-prep' differentiation strategy that any teacher can implement immediately?

Answer: Offering choice in seating or work location during independent practice

Offering simple choices like seating or work location costs little preparation time and still addresses learning environment needs.

How does 'zone of proximal development' (ZPD) relate to differentiated instruction?

Answer: DI aims to place students in their ZPD by matching task challenge to readiness

Vygotsky's ZPD is the conceptual foundation for readiness-based differentiation — tasks should be just beyond a student's current independent ability.