Brittany Layne

SPED 480

March 4, 2016

Prompt 2

I believe that the first step to effective differentiated instruction is getting to know each

students strengths and weaknesses. Differentiated learning should be planned and well thought

out, while also leaving room for adjustments within the lesson as needed. I will create a

differentiated learning environment by implementing different strategies, specific to the needs of

my students.

One planning strategy I will use will be Universal Design for Learning in which

appropriate goals, materials, methods, and assessments for all students will be identified. This

strategy will allow me to differentiate instruction by setting goals for each student rather than

setting goals for the class as one. This will also help me to differentiate methods and assessment.

During my planning, I will also decide on developmentally appropriate higher level thinking

questions that will strengthen my students in their weak areas.

Along with planning effectively, I will also develop relationships with students in order

to understand what their interests are as well as their learning strengths and weaknesses. I will do

this with encouragement and understanding that not all students are at the same level.

I also plan to use classroom strategies for effective differentiated learning while I am

teaching. Some of these include patience with each student, differentiating higher level

questioning to each student, modeling enriched vocabulary, modeling encouragement and

support, clear instruction for each student individually, and thoroughly addressed questions.
 Differentiated learning looks different in every classroom, but it is something that should

be noticed in every classroom. Each student is an individual; each students learning should be

individual as well.
 Works Cited

Vaughn, S., Bos, C. S., & Schumm, J. S. (2006). Teaching exceptional, diverse, and at-risk

students in the general education classroom. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.