Chapter 10: Differentiation in the Social Studies Classroom
As teachers, “[b]y changing our personal meta-narrative to reflect the belief that all learners bring differences to the classroom and by seeing differentiation as extending beyond a special education scope, we can ensure that we plan optimal experiences for learning” (p. 239).
This quote from Chapter 10 of Social Studies: Innovative Approaches for Teachers, challenges me as a future educator to change my approach when teaching topics to students. It has made me realize that I need not only to consider the special needs of students who have difficulty, but also address the diverse interests, backgrounds, and learning styles of my entire class at all times in order to maximize their educational experience and ensure equality. As teachers, we need to know the context of our classroom and understand that no two children learn in an identical way. We can ensure every child’s needs are met in our teaching by providing a number of paths for success that meet all students’ needs. Social Studies is one of the best subjects we can effectively implement this in as it provides room for differentiation in terms of the topics presented within the curriculum. In respect to this idea, the book, Great Minds Don’t Think Alike, by Diane Payne and Sondra VanSant, presents ideas which show a variety of ways children can be successful in the classroom by allowing students to take responsibility for their choices. Offering choices to students in terms of what they learn, how they learn, and how they present and demonstrate their learning is a great method to use when planning to meet each student’s specific needs. In doing so, “children are motivated as success with past choices leaves them with a feeling of accomplishment and a sense of independence” (p. 252). This in turn builds a love of learning that will stay with them for life and teaches them to think for themselves. By respecting, providing, and encouraging different ways of learning, students will hopefully take this quality with them and treat others they encounter in their life in a similar fashion. As part of the next generation, our students will learn through experience to accept and encourage differences in people, making the world a better place.
Maynes, N., & Straub, J. (2012). Chapter 10: Differentiation in the Social Studies Classroom. Social Studies: Innovative Approaches for Teachers, 1st ed. (pp. 237-259). Toronto: Pearson Canada.
Payne, D., & VanSant, S. (2009). Great Minds Don't Think Alike. Gainesville, FL: Center for Applications of Psychological Type, Inc.
This quote from Chapter 10 of Social Studies: Innovative Approaches for Teachers, challenges me as a future educator to change my approach when teaching topics to students. It has made me realize that I need not only to consider the special needs of students who have difficulty, but also address the diverse interests, backgrounds, and learning styles of my entire class at all times in order to maximize their educational experience and ensure equality. As teachers, we need to know the context of our classroom and understand that no two children learn in an identical way. We can ensure every child’s needs are met in our teaching by providing a number of paths for success that meet all students’ needs. Social Studies is one of the best subjects we can effectively implement this in as it provides room for differentiation in terms of the topics presented within the curriculum. In respect to this idea, the book, Great Minds Don’t Think Alike, by Diane Payne and Sondra VanSant, presents ideas which show a variety of ways children can be successful in the classroom by allowing students to take responsibility for their choices. Offering choices to students in terms of what they learn, how they learn, and how they present and demonstrate their learning is a great method to use when planning to meet each student’s specific needs. In doing so, “children are motivated as success with past choices leaves them with a feeling of accomplishment and a sense of independence” (p. 252). This in turn builds a love of learning that will stay with them for life and teaches them to think for themselves. By respecting, providing, and encouraging different ways of learning, students will hopefully take this quality with them and treat others they encounter in their life in a similar fashion. As part of the next generation, our students will learn through experience to accept and encourage differences in people, making the world a better place.
Maynes, N., & Straub, J. (2012). Chapter 10: Differentiation in the Social Studies Classroom. Social Studies: Innovative Approaches for Teachers, 1st ed. (pp. 237-259). Toronto: Pearson Canada.
Payne, D., & VanSant, S. (2009). Great Minds Don't Think Alike. Gainesville, FL: Center for Applications of Psychological Type, Inc.
Additional Resources
Please see attached a PowerPoint presentation put together by Dr. Elana Milstein on meeting the needs of all learners in the classroom.
Understanding Differentiation: http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CB8QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ph-ludwigsburg.de%2Fhtml%2F9e-aaax-s-01%2Fseiten%2FSymposiumBB2%2FMilstein.ppt&ei=26yqUMG6BoGsywGYsYGICw&usg=AFQjCNGpEiVgCBNSF-HkWUtrCKca044IJQ Accessed October 16, 2012.
Understanding Differentiation: http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CB8QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ph-ludwigsburg.de%2Fhtml%2F9e-aaax-s-01%2Fseiten%2FSymposiumBB2%2FMilstein.ppt&ei=26yqUMG6BoGsywGYsYGICw&usg=AFQjCNGpEiVgCBNSF-HkWUtrCKca044IJQ Accessed October 16, 2012.
![](http://www.weebly.com/weebly/images/file_icons/xls.png)
Milstein's Presentation on Understanding Differentiation | |
File Size: | 647 kb |
File Type: | ppt |
Also, Rebeca Isbell, Ph. D., the Director of the Center of Excellence in Early Childhood Learning and Development, reiterates my point in a short clip below.
Youtube clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCmckLvEbhg Accessed October 16, 2012.
Youtube clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCmckLvEbhg Accessed October 16, 2012.