Syllabus
Master of Science in Education
EDU 610: Differentiation Theory and Strategies – Spring 2021
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 3/3 – 3/7 |
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 by 11:59 PM ET *Note: initial discussion responses should be posted by midnight on FRIDAY. |
|
2 3/8 – 3/14 |
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 Academically Diverse Classrooms: Chapters 1-6 Chapter 1 – “What Differentiated Instruction Is – and Isn’t” Chapter 2 – “The Rationale For Differentiating Instruction in Academically Diverse Classrooms” Chapter 3 – “Thinking About the Needs of Students in a Differentiated Classroom” Chapter 4 – “The Role of the Teacher in a Differentiated Classroom” Chapter 5 – “The Learning Environment in a Differentiated Classroom” Chapter 6 – “A Look Inside Some Differentiated Classrooms” Online Readings in Blackboard Video Clips in Blackboard |
Due: Sunday by 11:59 PM ET *Note: initial discussion responses should be posted by midnight on WEDNESDAY. |
|
3 3/15 – 3/21 |
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 Academically Diverse Classrooms: Chapter 7 – “Strategies for Managing a DI Classroom” Online Readings in Blackboard Video Clips in Blackboard |
Due: Sunday by 11:59 PM ET *Note: initial discussion responses should be posted by midnight on WEDNESDAY. |
|
4 3/22 – 3/28 |
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 by 11:59 PM ET *Note: initial discussion responses should be posted by midnight on WEDNESDAY. |
|
5 3/29 – 4/4 |
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 Academically Diverse Classrooms: Chapters 9-11 Chapter 9: “Planning Lessons Differentiated by Readiness” Chapter 10: “Planning Lessons Differentiated by Interest” Chapter 11: “Planning Lessons Differentiated by Learning Profile” Online Readings in Blackboard |
Due: Sunday by 11:59 PM ET |
|
6 4/5 – 4/11
|
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 Academically Diverse Classrooms: Chapters 12-14 and Appendix Chapter 12 – “Differentiating Content” Chapter 13 – “Differentiating Process” Chapter 14 – “Differentiating Products” Appendix – “A Few Instructional Strategies Helpful in Academically Diverse Classrooms” Online Readings in Blackboard |
Due: Sunday by 11:59 PM ET *Note: initial discussion responses should be posted by midnight on WEDNESDAY. |
|
7 4/12 – 4/18 |
Assessing Student Performance |
Assignment: Final Project Progress Report Reading: Differentiated Assessment Strategies Chapter 9 – “Differentiating Summative Assessments” How To Differentiate Instruction in Academically Diverse Classrooms Chapter 15 and “A Final Thought” Chapter 15 – “Grading In A Differentiated Classroom” “A Final Thought” |
Progress Report Due TUESDAY at 11:59 PM ET All other work due: Sunday by 11:59 PM ET |
|
8 4/19 – 4/25 |
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 at 11:59 PM ET *Note: initial discussion responses should be posted by midnight on WEDNESDAY. |
Student Resources
Online Student Support
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UNE Student Academic Success Center
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Information Technology Services (ITS)
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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.
Policies
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 Turnitin Student quick start guide.
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.
Information Technology Services (ITS)
ITS Contact: Toll Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673
Attendance Policy
Online students are required to submit a graded assignment/discussion prior to Sunday evening at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. If a student does not submit a posting to the graded assignment/discussion prior to Sunday evening at 11:59 pm ET, the student will be automatically dropped from the course for non-participation. Review the full attendance policy.
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.
Student Handbook Online - Policies and Procedures
The policies contained within this document apply to all students in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies. It is each student's responsibility to know the contents of this handbook.
UNE Course Withdrawal
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.
Academic Integrity
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:
- Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
- Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
- Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
- Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
- Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.
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.