TJHSST Differentiated Instruction 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which scenario best illustrates differentiation by 'product'?
- Showing students three different videos on the same topic
- Letting students choose between a written report, a presentation, or a podcast to demonstrate learning (Correct answer)
- Grouping students by reading level for a novel study
- Giving some students extra time on the same test
Correct answer: Letting students choose between a written report, a presentation, or a podcast to demonstrate learning
Differentiating by product means varying the ways students demonstrate what they have learned.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of 'anchor activities' in a differentiated classroom?
- To review material from the previous year
- To give students meaningful work when they finish early, keeping them engaged (Correct answer)
- To anchor the lesson to real-world examples
- To provide extra credit opportunities for struggling students
Correct answer: To give students meaningful work when they finish early, keeping them engaged
Anchor activities are pre-planned, ongoing tasks students work on independently whenever they complete other work.
Question 3: At TJHSST, a math teacher creates three versions of a problem set — one with scaffolding, one standard, and one with extension problems. This is an example of:
- Differentiation by learning environment
- Differentiation by product
- Differentiation by process
- Tiered assignments differentiating by content complexity (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Tiered assignments differentiating by content complexity
Tiered assignments adjust the complexity or depth of the same core content to match different readiness levels.
Question 4: Carol Ann Tomlinson, a leading DI researcher, emphasizes that differentiated instruction is NOT about:
- Responding to learner needs proactively
- Assigning different grades to different students for the same standards (Correct answer)
- Modifying content, process, or product
- Using formative assessment to guide instruction
Correct answer: Assigning different grades to different students for the same standards
DI does not mean different grading standards; all students are held to the same learning goals with varied pathways.
Question 5: Which of the following BEST describes the role of the teacher in a fully differentiated TJHSST classroom?
- Delivering the same lecture to all students regardless of need
- Acting as a facilitator who designs varied learning experiences based on student data (Correct answer)
- Grouping students by test scores and never changing the groups
- Focusing exclusively on students who are below grade level
Correct answer: Acting as a facilitator who designs varied learning experiences based on student data
In a differentiated classroom, the teacher is a designer and facilitator who responds to ongoing data about student needs.
Question 6: A student demonstrates mastery of a topic before instruction begins. Which DI response is most appropriate?
- Have the student complete the same unit anyway for reinforcement
- Allow the student to compact the curriculum and pursue enrichment or acceleration (Correct answer)
- Assign the student to help struggling classmates for the entire unit
- Excuse the student from class during that unit
Correct answer: Allow the student to compact the curriculum and pursue enrichment or acceleration
Curriculum compacting allows students who demonstrate prior mastery to move forward or explore deeper topics.
Question 7: Which statement about differentiated instruction and special education is most accurate?
- DI replaces the need for IEPs in inclusive classrooms
- DI and IEP accommodations are complementary and can be implemented together (Correct answer)
- DI applies only to gifted students, not those with learning disabilities
- Special education students should be excluded from differentiated activities
Correct answer: DI and IEP accommodations are complementary and can be implemented together
DI strategies and IEP accommodations can work together; DI is a whole-class philosophy while IEPs address individual legal requirements.
TJHSST Differentiated Instruction 3
Which scenario best illustrates differentiation by 'product'?