Tips for Classroom Organization and Management, and Differentiated Instruction
by Susan McGreevy-Nichols
Teacher organization and attention to classroom management are key when differentiating your instruction. Because many things are happening at once, students must learn how to work in an environment with greater freedom and take greater responsibility for their learning. In a differentiated classroom, whole group instruction can be used to plan, share student work, give direction and introduce new ideas.
• Early on, assess students based on their readiness, interests and learning styles and continue to assess them on an ongoing basis to plan and adjust instruction.
• Since learning readiness is constantly changing, students need to be able to move between groups as they progress.
• Students with expertise in certain areas can peer teach. Also, students who have benefited from extra instruction can get valuable practice by reteaching it to others.
• Classroom environment and structure need to be considered when differentiating instruction. Preferences such as volume, lighting, and formal versus casual seating all can improve learning.
• Prepare activities that students can work on when they have extra time. This is especially important for students who complete class work quickly.
• Use a variety of texts and supplementary materials to appeal to different students.
