I didn't know there was another blog. I thought the last blog was the definition of differentiation.

What is one thing you have changed, or that has changed about you... and what is one thing about differentiation that you will change, as a result of this class?

One thing that has changed about me is the appreciation I have for differentiation. I never realized how many teachers actually do differentiate just by tweaking an assignment for students.

One thing about differentiation that I will change is that I will differentiate in my classroom. You have taught me how easy it is to differentiate. It can be as simple or a time consuming as I make it. I love the simplicity of differentiation.

What is Differentiation?

On Dictionary.com, the medical section, differentiation is 2 a : modification of different parts of the body for performance of particular functions.

I know I'm not supposed to tell you the definition according to a dictionary, but I agree with this medical definition. Although differentiating in the classroom isn't modifying parts of the body, it is modifying parts of a lesson. Differentiation is modifying parts of a lesson to help students achieve their highest performance levels.

The point of differentiating is to modify my teaching for my students needs in order to help them reach their highest potential. There are many ways to differentiate. You can differentiate the whats which are the environment, process, content, and product. You can also differentiate the for whats which are affect, interest, learning profile, and readiness. Before I started this class, I didn't realize that I could differentiate by simply changing the environment for my students. I love that differentiating doesn't have to be big and extravagant to still be successful. As long as I am paying attention to my students needs and I am flexible with my teaching, I will help my students be successful.