Syllabus
Master of Science in Education
EDU 610: Differentiation Theory and Strategies – Summer B 2020
Credits - 3
Description
This course explores the theories of differentiated instruction. Within the course, educators analyze differentiation theories and incorporate differentiation strategies into the design of units and lessons in their own educational settings. Collegial reflection regarding the use of these differentiation strategies will be a major component of the course.
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Materials
Learning Objectives and Outcomes
The student will:
- Review important educational theories and demonstrate an understanding of how students learn.
- Develop an understanding of the characteristics/elements of a differentiated classroom.
- Develop an understanding of the role technology can play in helping to differentiate instruction in the classroom.
- Recognize appropriate techniques for assessing students in a differentiated classroom.
- Through the completion of the successful and accepted design of a final project, will put differentiation theory to practice.
- Through readings and reflection, will examine the importance of various teaching strategies and models for differentiated instruction.
- Develop an understanding of the interrelationship between differentiated assessments and grading.
- Demonstrate, through completion of a final project, a comprehensive understanding of the theory and practice of successful differentiated instruction.
Assignments
Week 1 – After providing discussion posts focusing on introductions and expectations for the semester, the student will review Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences and complete a brief assignment on that topic. In addition, a Webliography (online article review) will be submitted.
Week 2 – In this full class discussion, students will review and discuss the assigned readings in Tomlinson. This will be followed up by a reflection on the kind of support the student will need in order to make a successful transition to establishing a DI-based classroom.
Week 3 – The focus for the week will be on the use of technology and the many ways that it can be a true ally to the innovative DI teacher. Several websites will be reviewed and discussed in smaller cluster discussion groups. A two-part essay submission will connect specific material gleaned from these reviews to the assigned readings for the week.
Week 4 – In this week’s readings, Chapman and King focus on the need for “Creating a Climate for Assessment” and also stress the importance of “Knowing the Learner.” Following a cluster group discussion on these topics, the student will also review and reflect on an assigned Webinar on Promising Practices.
Week 5 – The assignment for this week will be to submit a well-developed proposal for the final project. This proposal will need to be approved by the instructor prior to moving forward with it. The discussion in Week 5 will be an ungraded opportunity for students to exchange ideas and suggestions for their proposals.
Week 6 – Following a cluster discussion on the assigned chapter on assessment in the Chapman and King text, the student will select and discuss one specific model introduced in the readings.
Week 7 – By Tuesday at midnight, the student will be required to submit a short progress report about how they are progressing with the final project.
Week 8 – Final Project – The final project is a presentation intended to introduce parents, peers, and students to Differentiated Instruction. The final project may be posted to the Week 8 discussion page at any time after the Project Progress Report is submitted. Students are also encouraged to review and comment on the projects submitted by their peers.
**The University of New England provides students, staff, and faculty with free access to RefWorks, an online tool for collecting and managing references and making style-correct citations. Access the tool through the link on the left navigation bar in Blackboard. For instructions and tutorials in setting up your account and getting started, visit the RefWorks page of UNE’s Student Portal.
Grading Policy
Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:
Grade Breakdown
| Assignment | Points |
|---|---|
| Wk 1: Introduction Class Discussion | 4 |
| Wk 1: Gardner Assignment | 4 |
| Wk 1: Webliography Assignment | 4 |
| Wk 2: Observations on Tomlinson Class Discussion | 6 |
| Wk 2: Introducing Differentiated Instruction Assignment | 4 |
| Wk 3: Small Group Discussion: Technology | 6 |
| Wk 3: Technology & DI Essay | 12 |
| Wk 4: Small Group Discussion: Chapman and King | 6 |
| Wk 4: Promising Practices Assignment | 10 |
| Wk 5: Project Proposal Submission | 6 |
| Wk 6: Small Group Discussion: Importance of Appropriate Assessment Techniques | 6 |
| Wk 6: Chapman and King Assignment | 4 |
| Wk 7: Project Progress Report | 4 |
| Wk 8: Final Project | 24 |
| TOTAL | 100 POINTS |
Grade Scale
| Grade | Points Grade | Point Average (GPA) |
| A | 94 – 100% | 4.00 |
| A- | 90 – 93% | 3.75 |
| B+ | 87 – 89% | 3.50 |
| B | 84 – 86% | 3.00 |
| B- | 80 – 83% | 2.75 |
| C+ | 77 – 79% | 2.50 |
| C | 74 – 76% | 2.00 |
| C- | 70 – 73% | 1.75 |
| D | 64 – 69% | 1.00 |
| F | 00 – 63% | 0.00 |
Schedule
|
Week |
Topic |
Activities & Assignments |
Dates |
|
1 6/24 – 6/28 |
A review of Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences and the impact his work has had on Differentiation |
Assignments: Introduction Discussion Howard Gardner Assignment Webliography Assignment Online Readings in Blackboard Video Clips in Blackboard |
Due: Sunday, 6/28 by 11:59 PM ET *Note: initial discussion responses should be posted by midnight on FRIDAY. |
|
2 6/29 – 7/5 |
Recipes for Success: Traits of a Differentiated Classroom and Establishing Effective Learning Communities |
Assignments: Discussion on Tomlinson Readings Introducing Differentiated Instruction Assignment Textbook Reading: How To Differentiate Instruction in Mixed-Ability Classrooms: Chapters 1-5 Chapter 1 – “What Differentiated Instruction Is – and Isn’t” Chapter 2 – “The Rationale For Differentiated Instruction in Mixed-Ability Classrooms” Chapter 3 – “The Role of the Teacher in a Differentiated Classroom” Chapter 4 – “The Learning Environment in a Differentiated Classroom” Chapter 5 – “A Look Inside Some Differentiated Classrooms” Online Readings in Blackboard Video Clips in Blackboard |
Due: Sunday, 7/5 by 11:59 PM ET *Note: initial discussion responses should be posted by midnight on WEDNESDAY. |
|
3 7/6 – 7/12 |
Meeting the Diverse Needs of Learners Through Technology |
Assignments: Discussion – Technology- A Tool for Differentiating Instruction Technology and DI Assignment Textbook Reading: How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed-Ability Classrooms: Chapter 6 Online Readings in Blackboard Video Clips in Blackboard |
Due: Sunday, 7/12 by 11:59 PM ET *Note: initial discussion responses should be posted by midnight on WEDNESDAY. |
|
4 7/13 – 7/19 |
Assessing the Effectiveness of Differentiated Instruction in the Classroom |
Assignments: Chapman and King Discussion Promising Practices Assignment Textbook Reading: Differentiated Assessment Strategies: One Tool Doesn’t Fit All: Chapters 1-4 Chapter 1: “One Tool Doesn’t Fit All: Introduction” Chapter 2: “Bringing Research and Best Practices to Differentiated Formative Assessment” Chapter 3: “Creating a Climate for Formative Assessment” Chapter 4: “Knowing the Learner” Online Readings in Blackboard Video Clips in Blackboard |
Due: Sunday, 7/19 by 11:59 PM ET *Note: initial discussion responses should be posted by midnight on WEDNESDAY. |
|
5 7/20 – 7/26 |
Project Development & Planning Effective Lessons Using Differentiation |
Assignment: Project Proposal Assignment Textbook Reading: Differentiated Assessment Strategies: One Tool Doesn’t Fit All: Chapters 5-8 Chapter 5: “Exploring Self-Assessment” Chapter 6: “Formative Assessment Before the Learning” Chapter 7: “Formative Assessment During the Learning” Chapter 8: “Formative Assessment After the Learning” How To Differentiate Instruction in Mixed-Ability Classrooms: Chapters 8-10 Chapter 8: “The How-To’s of Planning Lessons Differentiated By Readiness” Chapter 9: “The How-To’s of Planning Lessons Differentiated By Interest” Chapter 10: “The How-To’s of Planning Lessons Differentiated By Learning Profile” Online Readings in Blackboard |
Due: Sunday, 7/26 by 11:59 PM ET |
|
6 7/27 – 8/2
|
Developing an Understanding of Various Strategies/Models for Differentiated Instruction |
Assignments: Chapman and King Assignment Small Group Discussion: Importance of Appropriate Assessment Techniques Textbook Reading: Differentiated Assessment Strategies: One Tool Doesn’t Fit All: Chapters 10-12 Chapter 10 – “Assessment for Differentiated Instruction and Flexible Grouping” Chapter 11 – “Differentiated Instructional Planning Models” Chapter 12 – “Planning for Differentiated Assessment” How To Differentiate Instruction in Mixed-Ability Classrooms: Chapters 11-13 and Appendices Chapter 11 – “Differentiating Content” Chapter 12 – “Differentiating Process” Chapter 13 – “Differentiating Products” Appendices Online Readings in Blackboard |
Due: Sunday, 8/2 by 11:59 PM ET *Note: initial discussion responses should be posted by midnight on WEDNESDAY. |
|
7 8/3 – 8/9 |
Assessing Student Performance |
Assignment: Final Project Progress Report Reading: Differentiated Assessment Strategies Chapter 9 – “Differentiating Summative Assessments” How To Differentiate Instruction in Mixed-Ability Classrooms Chapter 14 – “Grading In A Differentiated Classroom” “A Final Thought” |
Progress Report Due TUESDAY, 8/4 at 11:59 PM ET All other work due: Sunday, 8/9 by 11:59 PM ET |
|
8 8/10 – 8/16 |
A Final Reflection |
Assignment: Submission of Final Project Optional comments on the projects of your peers |
The final project may be submitted any time after Progress Report submission is completed but no later than FRIDAY, 8/14 at 11:59 PM ET *Note: initial discussion responses should be posted by midnight on WEDNESDAY. |
Student Resources
Online Student Support
Your Student Support Specialist is a resource for you. Please don't hesitate to contact them for assistance, including, but not limited to course planning, current problems or issues in a course, technology concerns, or personal emergencies.
Questions? Visit the Student Support Education page
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- Library Questions: Ask a librarian or phone library staff at (207) 602-2361 or (207) 221-4330.
UNE Student Academic Success Center
The Student Academic Success Center (SASC) offers a range of services to support your academic achievement, including tutoring, writing support, test prep and studying strategies, learning style consultations, and many online resources. To make an appointment for tutoring, writing support, or a learning specialist consultation, go to une.tutortrac.com. To access our online resources, including links, guides, and video tutorials, please visit:
Information Technology Services (ITS)
- ITS Contact: Toll Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673
Accommodations
Any student who would like to request, or ask any questions regarding, academic adjustments or accommodations must contact the Student Access Center at (207) 221-4438 or pcstudentaccess@une.edu. Student Access Center staff will evaluate the student's documentation and determine eligibility of accommodation(s) through the Student Access Center registration procedure.
Online Peer Support
Togetherall is a 24/7 communication and emotional support platform monitored by trained clinicians. It’s a safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively, and learn how to manage your mental health. If sharing isn’t your thing, Togetherall has other tools and courses to help you look after yourself with plenty of resources to explore. Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low, or just need a place to talk, Togetherall can help you explore your feelings in a safe supportive environment. You can join Togetherall using your UNE email address.
Information Technology Services (ITS)
Students should notify their Student Support Specialist and instructor in the event of a problem relating to a course. This notification should occur promptly and proactively to support timely resolution.
ITS Contact: Toll-Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673.
Career Ready Program
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The Career Ready Program provides tools and resources to help students explore and hone in on their career goals, search for jobs, create and improve professional documents, build professional network, learn interview skills, grow as a professional, and more. Come back often, at any time, as you move through your journey from career readiness as a student to career growth, satisfaction, and success as alumni.
Policies
AI Use
The Graduate Programs in Education holds the position that Grammarly and other AI writing and generative technology should not be used when completing course assignments, unless explicitly permitted by course faculty and assignment instructions. These tools do not support a student’s personal and direct capacity to develop and hone skills in creativity, logic, critical thinking, analysis, evaluation, theorization, and writing, which are central to graduate-level rigor, assessment, and research. Use of these tools when not explicitly permitted may result in an academic integrity infraction.
Turnitin Originality Check and Plagiarism Detection Tool
The College of Professional Studies uses Turnitin to help deter plagiarism and to foster the proper attribution of sources. Turnitin provides comparative reports for submitted assignments that reflect similarities in other written works. This can include, but is not limited to, previously submitted assignments, internet articles, research journals, and academic databases.
Make sure to cite your sources appropriately as well as use your own words in synthesizing information from published literature. Webinars and workshops, included early in your coursework, will help guide best practices in APA citation and academic writing.
You can learn more about Turnitin in the guide on how to navigate your Similarity Report.
Technology Requirements
Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Graduate Programs: Technical Requirements
Course Evaluation Policy
Course surveys are one of the most important tools the University of New England uses for evaluating the quality of your education, and for providing meaningful feedback to instructors on their teaching. In order to assure that the feedback is both comprehensive and precise, we need to receive it from each student for each course. Evaluation access is distributed via UNE email at the beginning of the last week of the course.
Late Policy
Assignments: Late assignments will be accepted up to 3 days late; however, there is a 10% grade reduction (from the total points) for the late submission. After three days the assignment will not be accepted.
Discussion posts: If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction from the total discussion grade (e.g., a 3 point discussion will be reduced by 0.3 points). Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded.
Please make every effort ahead of time to contact your instructor and your student support specialist if you are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Arrangements for extenuating circumstances may be considered by faculty.
8 week: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office. 16 week: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office. The policies contained within this document apply to all students in the College of Professional Studies. It is each student's responsibility to know the contents of this handbook. Please contact your student support specialist if you are considering dropping or withdrawing from a course. The last day to drop for 100% tuition refund is the 2nd day of the course. Financial Aid charges may still apply. Students using Financial Aid should contact the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawing from a course. The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable. For information about plagiarism and academic misconduct, please visit UNE Plagiarism Policies. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following: Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.Attendance Policy
Student Handbook Online - Policies and Procedures
UNE Course Withdrawal
Academic Integrity