With the reading you've done so far, about differentiation, can you see any differentiation I have organized for you in this course? Look at the assignments (listed on page 3 of the full syllabus and outlined on pages 7 - 11). Which one appears to you (not your friends, or study buddies, but to YOU) as if it may be the product and process differentiated for student interest? Briefly explain why you think so, and connect it to something you read in Ch. 1 of Fulfilling the Promise.
Early in Fulfilling the Promise, the authors explain that, "The goal of a differentiated classroom is to plan actively and consistently to help each learner move as far and as fast as possible along a learning continuum." Given this idea, I took a look at the syllabus you've given us this semester, especially focusing on the assignments. In someway every single assignment can be looked at from a differentiation view. Each assignment, both individual and group have clearly outlined explanations. Before giving us each assignment you've made sure that all the student traits are implemented, you've also made sure that all four classroom elements are consistently there. I'm loving this Blog assignment, and now realize just how differentiated it is. I can write knowing that you actually care about what I have to say. You don't compare my writing to the work of others in the class, you simply grade it for what it truly is. This, in my mind, is it's own simple and important type of differentiation. Thanks.
Your insight about how the blogging is differentiated gave me NEW insight into it. I was kind of thinking that the blogging is really "individualizing" rather than "differentiating" -- but, I think because the blogs are so related, and give me such a good notion about where each of you are in your understanding, it IS allowing me to differentiate. 4 points (by the way, GREAT morning meeting today!).
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