3 Simple Strategies to Boost Student Growth

Key points:

Differentiation is an essential part of effective teaching. As educators, we recognize that each of our students is on their own unique learning journey. Some follow their interests, others prepare for a future career, while many more are simply trying to figure out who they are and where they fit in the world.

Any teacher who wants to meet their students where they are and help them become active learners cannot rely on a one-size-fits-all instructional method. Differentiation should play a key role in your teaching philosophy.

However, teachers are busy people with an ever-growing list of responsibilities. How is an educator supposed to differentiate instruction while juggling multiple demands on her time? By using the three practical, teacher-tested ideas below, educators can empower students to take ownership of their learning journey. Let's explore low floor, high ceiling, different ai and PEWC:

A1. Low Floor, High Ceiling: Low-floor, high-ceiling activities allow any student to participate and find success, no matter how hard they struggle. However, they also challenge students to improve and grow, no matter how advanced they are. An example of a low-floor, high-ceiling activity is asking students to build a literal mascot for their knowledge. Ask them to use everyday materials to build a character that represents something they are learning about. Once completed, they will explain the symbolism behind their construction to deepen their understanding of the subject and they will do so in their own way, expressing their understanding at a level that makes sense to them.

A2. Different ai: ai tools can save teachers valuable time and allow them to differentiate themselves in wonderful new ways. Harness the power of ai with power differentiation activities like an ai level adjustment. Simply take the text of an assignment and have an ai tool like ChatGPT adjust the reading level or challenge level up or down to meet the needs of the classroom, or create leveled challenges that students can progress through. as they gain mastery. Assignments can even be adjusted to cover the same standards, but directly integrate students' interests like sports, pop culture, or video games!

A3. PEWC: There are four main ways of teaching that always differ, simply by their very nature: Project Based Learning (PBL), Engineering, Writing and Creating. PBL allows students to use what they have learned to make an impact on open-ended challenges that extend beyond the walls of their classroom. Engineering requires students to optimize and challenges them to grow. Writing encourages students to approach a task with their own creative voice, and Creating allows them to express their understanding, perspective, and skills about any task at hand. By incorporating PEWC activities into the classroom, teachers can deepen their differentiation immediately and effectively.

Differentiated instruction does not have to be overwhelming for teachers. By employing techniques such as the “low floor, high ceiling” approach, integrating ai into lessons, and applying PEWC principles to classroom activities, educators can create an environment where each student can learn and thrive at their own pace. rhythm. Be sure to check this free webinar from the Van Andel Institute for Education to discover even more learning strategies for the busy educator.