Differentiated Teaching with Glass Whiteboards
Many educators understand that there are three distinct learning styles, and many have based their curriculum around an all-inclusive teaching style. Teachers who work with children with learning disabilities, however, have had to learn even more teaching styles, to ensure that their students are getting a full understanding of the material. Parents are demanding better education for their special needs children, and many schools are learning how to cater to students of each academic level versus the outdated thinking of standardized tests and lesson plans.
Many instructors are now turning to a new style of teaching, called “differentiated instruction,” which adapts lessons for kids of different learning abilities and different skill sets within a class. One way of created a differentiated learning environment is to divide the classroom into thirds, and creating customized lessons that each group rotates into. The rule of threes applies so well to this curriculum because it’s widely used in other teaching plans. It’s been proven that hearing, seeing or doing something three times is one of the best ways to commit it to memory. So how do teachers present this information?
Many teachers are using conventional learning tools and incorporating them into their rotating lessons. An example lesson plan for fourth graders may go something like this:
Group One – A second group may be encouraged to use blocks, number lines and charts to illustrate their understanding of math and may even be encouraged to work with a partner or as a group. This way the children are engaging and sharing their knowledge with one another.
Group Two – May sit down with their own individual glass dry erase boards and dry erase markers. These students are encouraged to draw pictures and numbers to help them understand math and the process of subtracting parts from a whole. They are encouraged to use dots, squares and “tens and ones” to understand how numbers work, and having their own individual boards make it easier for them to stay focused on their own learning process.
Group Three – A third group may be a bit more advanced and traditional, breaking down more complex math problems into smaller, more manageable ones.
Rotating lessons can be difficult for teachers, since they will need to find a balance in keeping all of their students challenged and engaged. Schools are also letting go of “tracking” their students; keeping high, average and low achievers on isolated paths. They are moving towards engaging all students and making each group college-ready.
About Clarus Glassboards: Clarus is the leading manufacturer and innovator of glass whiteboards and glass visual display products. For more information about clear dry erase boards and our other glass architectural systems, please call 888-813-7414 or visit www.clarusglassboards.com.
