Definition of Professional Development (PD) for Teachers
Sample Solution
Professional Development Brochure
Topic: Differentiation
Target Audience: General Education Teachers
Goals:
- Participants will be able to define differentiation and explain its benefits.
- Participants will be able to identify and implement a variety of differentiation strategies in their classrooms.
- Participants will be able to assess the effectiveness of differentiation strategies for their students.
How to Support Learners at Various Stages of Implementation:
- Teachers who have had training on differentiation but never implemented this instructional skill: These teachers will benefit from a review of the basics of differentiation, as well as hands-on practice with differentiation strategies.
- Teachers who have implemented differentiation: These teachers will benefit from learning new differentiation strategies, as well as sharing their experiences with other teachers.
Full Answer Section
- Teachers who have never had training and do not want to use this strategy in their classroom: These teachers will be encouraged to learn more about differentiation and its benefits. They will also be given the opportunity to try out differentiation strategies in a low-stakes environment.
Responsibilities of Teachers:
Prior to the training:
- Complete a pre-assessment to identify their current knowledge and skills related to differentiation.
- Read and reflect on articles and other resources related to differentiation.
During the training:
- Participate actively in all activities and discussions.
- Ask questions and share their experiences with other teachers.
- Develop a plan for implementing differentiation strategies in their classrooms.
After the training:
- Implement differentiation strategies in their classrooms.
- Monitor the progress of their students and make adjustments to their differentiation strategies as needed.
- Participate in follow-up meetings or professional learning communities to share their experiences and learn from other teachers.
Helpful Websites and Videos:
- Websites:
- ASCD: https://www.ascd.org/
- IRIS Center: https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/di/
- Understood: https://www.understood.org/
- Videos:
- Differentiation in Action: https://www.ascd.org/videos/inspiring-differentiation-learning-as-much-as-they-can
- Differentiation Strategies for the Secondary Classroom: https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/di/
- Differentiation for All Learners: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OqlXSV7By_s
Research-Based Definition of Differentiation:
Differentiation is the process of tailoring instruction to meet the individual needs of all learners. It involves providing students with different learning experiences based on their readiness levels, interests, and learning styles.
According to Tomlinson (2014), differentiation is "a way of thinking about teaching and learning that results in the greatest possible success for every learner." She argues that differentiation is necessary because all students are different, and they learn in different ways.
How to Use Collaboration and Teams, as Well as Group Problem Solving:
Collaboration and teamwork are essential for effective differentiation. Teachers can collaborate with each other to develop and implement differentiation strategies. They can also collaborate with students to get their input on how they learn best.
Group problem solving is another important aspect of differentiation. Teachers can use group problem solving activities to help students develop different skills and learn different content.
Conclusion
Differentiation is a powerful tool that can help all learners succeed. By providing students with different learning experiences based on their individual needs, interests, and learning styles, teachers can help students reach their full potential.
This professional development brochure provides teachers with the information and resources they need to begin implementing differentiation in their classrooms. The brochure includes specific and measurable goals, helpful websites and videos, a research-based definition of differentiation, and strategies for using collaboration and teamwork.