Differentiated Instruction: Making It Work

Another book that I found worth reading is - Differentiated Instruction: Making it Work by Patti Drapeau (ISBN: 978-0-439-51778-2). The book is targeted for Grades 3-6, but the ideas and the facts are applicable to ALL LEARNERS. In particular, I am interested in the idea that most students can be placed into six categories. Gone are the days when all students (even in an academic class) are eager, high functioning learners. Drapeau breaks it down like this:

Academic Learner - these are the kids who are adept at 'doing school'. By all accounts they are the model students ("Can I hand this early?")

Perfectionist Learner - these kids are often this way in school and on the sports fields. They are NOT always high achievers because they do not always complete a task and hand in work. They will often quit if the work is not 'perfect' ("I can't do this, forget it.")

Creative Learner - these are the 'idea people' who thrive in school if they are able to think creatively in school. There are the 'out of the box' thinkers. ("What about looking at it like this?")

Struggling Learner - these students struggle to find success, but they also struggle with motivation and often have low self-esteem because the material does not come easily. ("I don't get this, it is stupid.")

Invisible Learner - we all know these kids, they rarely participate. They are shy and sensitive and often try and go through entire classes without speaking out loud. They often need one on one help. ("I won't be right, so I am not going to bother.")

High-Energy Learner - these are the kids who are often the life of the party and as a result are difficult to manage. They thrive on stimulus and tend to have several tasks on the go and rarely complete them. These students make it easier for the Invisible students to remain invisible. ("MISS, MISS, HEY MISS!")

For the purposes of this TLLP I think my focus (our focus) is on the Struggling student and the Invisible student - certainly food for thought.