RSS FeedThe Differentiation Strategy
No two individuals are the same. This is true even in learning. Students have different needs when it comes to learning. Teachers should understand this difference to be able to maximize the potential of all the students. Students vary in the way they understand lessons. Because of this, differentiation or tailoring the lessons to meet the needs of the students is vital.
Even in reading, students show different levels. Some students may be able to read well while others may struggle. To bring out the best learning to all levels of readers, teachers must differentiate the content and the process by which the content is learned.
Content refers to the information that the teacher wants the students to read and learn. The process refers to the medium by which the information is grasped and learned by the students. These two elements of learning must be specially designed and planned out to help all types of students.
Content And Process Differentiation
By differentiation, the teacher uses distinctive approach to the varying reading and learning levels of the students. He modifies the content and the process to make reading a satisfying experience to all the students. Content and process are vital elements that determine whether or not the students will be able to read and understand what they are reading.
In differentiating content, teachers must use several teaching techniques. They can use reading materials with varying readability levels. This is to ensure that the students will be able to use materials that are suitable for their reading skills. Teachers can also allocate reading partners or use auditory and visual aids for better understanding of the content.
In terms of process, teachers should make sure that they make the reading and learning process as exciting or interesting as possible. This will motivate the students to read and learn. In choosing reading activities, teachers should find tiered activities to ensure that all students (in spite of the different reading and learning levels) will be able to participate.
Teaching reading is a fulfilling experience to teachers - especially if you see your students gaining progress in reading and learning. However, it remains a challenge. To meet the challenge of teaching reading, teachers must arm themselves with the right teaching techniques. The primary purpose of teaching reading is not just to make your students read, it is to make them love reading. Through differentiation, the students will be able to appreciate reading as it satisfies their individual needs.
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