Blog Post #6A: Cassandra Guerrieri Response to Gia Prezioso

SPED 6900                                                                    Cassandra Guerrieri

          Critical Task Discussion Questions                                                    November 16, 2016

1.   To what extent are lesson plans differentiated in order to meet the needs of all students?

-Lesson plans are created to help fit the individuals needs so that the curriculum is being covered but in such a way that the learner can properly respond and retain information.

2. To what extent is differentiation used for students with disabilities and students identified as gifted?

- The way the lesson plans are created correspond with what the learner is capable of educationally. If the learner is an exceptional learner the teacher can create more advanced material to tie in with the curriculum and if the learner has special needs he or she can modify it in a way that the learner can identify and become successful.

3. What co-teaching methods work best when planning differentiated instruction in the classroom?

-The co-teaching methods that work best are the ones that have both teachers on the same page. If both teachers did not previously work together to find out what is best for the learners in the classroom there will be much difficulty reaching these individuals. The best methods are those in which both teachers take turns with one instructing and the other assisting the children and vice versa. In my experience this has worked best for individuals who have special needs.

4. How can flexible grouping be used most effectively in a differentiated classroom?

-When using flexible grouping it is important to know the functioning/educational level of the individuals in the classroom. In my classroom currently we have two groups of children, three in three and we have a higher group and a lower group. It allows us to develop the lesson to meet their needs. The higher group gets one explanation because that is how they learn and the lower group receives a lesson in which they can fully grasp.

5. How is differentiation of instruction and Bloom’s taxonomy related? Are they one in the same?

-Differentiated instruction allows all of the student to receive the same content but in different ways for them to fully grasp the concept. Bloom’s taxonomy is a way in which to teach the children, to create, evaluate, analyze, apply, understand and remember. These two are not the same but bloom’s taxonomy can be used to help differentiate the instruction in the class.