Differentiated Classrooms

Across the realm of education there is constant debate on the most advanced and innovative ways to run a classroom. From classroom set up to common core, there seems to be an ever-changing list of things that contribute to a student’s academic success in the classroom. While each topic across this vast array has unique importance and relevance to the future classroom teacher, one topic that seems especially demanding is the call for an entirely equal and equitable classroom for all students. The reality of education is that finding two students who learn the same way and on the same schedule is rare and unrealistic; thus, a single curriculum that spans an entire classroom cannot possibly yield equity or equality. Creating an equal and equitable …show more content…
Considering this context of equality, it seems evident that differentiation is the means to support effective instruction to all students. While the discussion of differentiated classrooms seems complicated and vast, it is essential to consider a few key questions regarding this new wave of education; first, what is the basis upon which differentiation stands and what does it aim to achieve? Next, how does the classroom teacher facilitate differentiated learning and what preparation is required for a successful classroom? Finally, to what extent are differentiated classrooms successful? Using these questions as a guide, one must delve into the topic to see if this unique approach to teaching truly creates an equal and equitable classroom …show more content…
This type of closed learning does not allow students personal growth and is widely regarded as unsuccessful (Kronberg & York-Barr 1997). Countering this is differentiation, which calls for a far more brain-compatible instruction, which promotes active learning that becomes personally meaningful with higher order thinking skills engaged in the process (Kronberg & York-Barr 1997). As Robinson (2014) explains, “the focus of differentiated instruction is to ensure all students are reaching the same academic goal, but with the tools of differentiated instruction, the process of arriving there is unique for each student.” Through this type of learning, schools eliminate the possibility of excluding any child in a classroom due to skill level. This type of education is important to consider because rather than presenting clear cut instructions and answers, differentiation varies the design and delivery of topics to fit the needs of a student and thus allows them to become active learners who seek out answers and understanding in a way that leaves them in charge of their