Speaking of Differentiation

It's the "D" word. Differentiation. (cue music indicating villain approaching). After years of looking at it, trying it, and finally coming to the startling conclusion that it's just good teaching, I found this.

In a post by Rebecca Alber, many of my thoughts were put into easily recognized scenarios: Is it fair? Better keep resource files on hand (graphic organizers and such) because it often has to happen on the spot when you see a student struggling and giving up. Research the students' files until you feel like Sherlock Holmes. And ask questions of the student, his/her former teachers, and the parents at home.

I still think we should call it something like "common sense goals" but since everyone is already using differentiation, I'll keep using the foul language.

Wordchamp

This is (I'm sure) my first praise entry about Wordchamp. We've been using it for three years now. It provides huge advantages. K.C. Kless, my compatriot introduced it after attending a conference. He must be credited with all the leaps that our students have made with this advantage! You create a class, students join and complete the assignments that you post and the best thing-the DATA. It shows you how many times a student practiced the item, the most missed items for the group (reteach these in class) , the easiest items (skim these in class). And read between the lines-it shows you what they said so that you can interpret what mistakes are happening and address them directly with the particular student!

The webreader that it provides allows you to give students passages for comprehension, and, get this-they create THEIR OWN practice list. Completely individualized education in which they practice the vocabulary and grammar that THEY are hovering over-not what someone else might need. Then, the teacher can look at what they did, recognize it, use it to shape new lessons and help them get to the end goal. The student takes control of his/her own learning and this is the best example that I can provide of a student-led culture of learning.

Timetoast

Today we had a great classroom experience with timetoast, a free service, which allows students to create accounts with an email address and then add events and descriptions in a chronological order.

In our class, the students entered Latin sentences and then translated them into English and provided an image to go along with the story they were working on. The sequential nature of a timeline helps students to understand cause and effect, sequences, and story development. I used a detailed instruction sheet that I revised after the first class meeting to address student questions. All the students were successful with the technology and were able to demonstrate their Latin ability in a 21st century application.

Here' an example: http://www.timetoast.com/timelines/48625

The highlight of my day was observing as students helped each other answer questions and troubleshoot as the classes reached 100% success in emailing me their products! My goal had been 90% and they exceeded my expectations.

I love JING. It's a screen capture program that is free. Here's one type of use: If a student is absent, you can record a part of a lesson for the student to view later. Here's a sample.

Or, you can make a screencast of you teaching essential items. Here's a sample.

Let me know what you think of these screencasts. I post them in blackboard and the kids use them for studying, catching up, or just to laugh.