Using Group Work to Support Diverse Abilities (Wk 4)

Differentiated instruction is critical in supporting students that have a variety of abilities. That means changing things up on a daily and weekly basis. First and foremost it means that you must know your students. A teacher should know who needs additional support? What are the students' different reading levels? Special needs, handicaps, etc.?  Upon knowing the answers to the aforementioned questions one can plan instruction that is inclusive. It is beneficial to scaffold learning while also using a variety of strategies that can be beneficial for multiple learners. For example when introducing vocabulary I show students images on the PowerPoint of with the use of a video. This approach is especially beneficial for ELL students or those that have a strong visual learning modality. I also include a worksheet that has students first find the definition, then draw an illustration/picture that describes the word and furthermore have them write a sentence or description of the word. In this approach the students have multiple opportunities to master the words as well as an ability to do so by using their strengths.

Another way to support students in a diverse classroom is to use cooperative group. Groups that are diverse in their abilities, sex, ethnicity, and personal characteristics make for a great environment for low and high students. Cooperative groups encourage everyone to work to their maximum capacity. 

  

In order to use groups effectively it is important to be explicit in your instructions. For example tell students the number of people in each group, length of time in a group. You can count students off or give them the opportunity to choose their own groupings. The directions whether verbal or written need to state what is to be done and what is to be accomplished.The number of  people in a group depends of the nature of the activity. And the number of people must be equal to the number of jobs in a group. Be specific about assignments for each member in a group.In working together student can support each other and work to their highest potential.