Session on 'Differentiation'

Since the day I joined CIDTT ,the term 'Differentiation' had been associated with all our discussions but this term was not explained to us saying that it would be (rather needed to be) dealt with exclusively.So our whole group was quite eagerly awaiting for the session on 'Differentiation' and after attending the session realised how crucial it is for effective learning to take place in a classroom.

When we prepare a lesson plan we always cater to an average child and extend ourselves a bit for 'below average' child but completely forget the one with superlative intelligence and there the pandora's box is opened!Because the kids who already have a prior knowledge of the topic or who tend to grasp faster get distracted and bored very soon and in turn disturb the flow of the whole class.Herein compacting strategy comes in effect which helps in enriched and accelerated learning for high level learners.

We were introduced to the tiering technique through an interesting geometry exercise.The eight of us were divided into 4pairs and each pair was given a different assignment but the main topic was the same-'comprehension of the five geometric terms-point,ray,line,line segment and angle'. Renu and I had to create an argument as to which is the most important term.The argument turned out to be a hilarious one!!even others came out with wonderful results.Hence,we discovered that even a simple math topic could be conveyed in so many different ways catering to the different interests and capabilities of the learners.

We were also familiarised with concept based and MI based techniques through some video clippings.

As a teacher,we are already aware of the fact that in a classroom we have diversity in learners which can be due to various reasons and we always struggle to find a common route to reach out to all of them .But same technique doesn't work for everyone ,and sometimes we end up being frustrated seeing the blank look on the face of some of our learners..Well now I know that this problem can be solved by applying the concept of differentiation in our teaching strategies.

Thanks to CIDTT for enriching us with such wonderful tools of teaching!!