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Strategy Descriptions
1. Differentiated instruction through centers is one valuable strategy utilized in my classroom. By
allowing students to rotate through a variety of learning tools, we engage students with a wide range
of learning styles. During a recent science class, we utilized centers to reinforce the sound waves
lesson. In one center students were asked to complete a ten question assessment on sound waves.
In another center students were given a variety of items and asked to create an instrument with at
least two different sounds. In a third center students used the laptops to watch a video on sound
waves and answer questions posed by the video. In the last center students were asked to complete
a “one pager” on sound waves using their text and laptop for evidence. These centers allowed each
student to use their learning styles to help other students in their groups to complete the
center.During centers, I will move around the room to assist where I am needed and answer questions
as needed. Students will work within their group to assist each other on the task they are completing.
Students need to stay within their group, which can be a challenge at times. Reminding students that
they will be able to complete each center, helps to keep them on task.
2. Active Learning Strategies that allow students to take a lead role in the classroom community is
another strategy used in my classroom. We currently have students set in groups. These groups
are assigned a portion of the lesson. They are to go through their portion and learn everything
Then using any technique available to them (laptops, chart paper, elmo etc) they will prepare to
teach to the rest of the class. While they are researching the lesson, I will move around to each group
assisting where needed. The difficulty with this strategy can be keeping the students on task. At
times I will pull them back to whole group to go over the instructions again to ensure understanding.
3. Classroom technology is another strategy utilized in our learning community. On Thursday we use
quizlet live or kahoot for a fun, interactive reinforcement of the week’s lessons. This allows the
students time to write questions down they may still have as well. Following this activity, students
are allowed to choose between iready, reflex or brainpop for fifteen minutes. During this time I will
also pull students, who are struggling with the concept, into a small group for review. The difficulty
with this specific strategy is with keeping the fun while controlling the volume. This is accomplished
by offering bonus points for the teams that cheer the softest.
4. One strategy that I would like to incorporate into my classroom with a greater regularity is alternative
seating. Since I have a shared classroom I am slowly introducing alternative seating to my co-teacher.
This specific strategy can be challenging on several levels. Some teachers do not see the benefit of
allowing students some freedom to choose and some students do not always utilize this option
appropriately. I have recently introduced “chair bands” into our community. These rubber bands
allow for movement without the tapping noises associated with some students movement. Whether
they will be successful remains to be seen, however we have had some short term success so far.
Description of student behaviors
Student’s behavior with differentiated instruction is engaged and active with many of the activities.
The discussion tends to lean towards the activity and the lesson while occasionally getting off track.
Many times when it moves away from the topic, one student will pull them back in. On some
occasions I will have to move in and ask a question about the activity to real them back into the
group work. If a specific activity seems too difficult or uninteresting, a substitute activity should be
available or the teacher should join that group until they gain footing to complete it.
Active learning strategies is a great way for students to learn a specific portion of a lesson as well as
take responsibility to teach their community members. The added responsibility of teaching pulls
students in who may otherwise be on the “fooling around” train. Students’ behavior with this
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strategy tends to be focused and engaged. There are times when proximity control is needed to
ensure they stay on task.
Classroom technology can present some of the largest hurdles and behavior challenges. Although
students are engaged and fully enjoy the use of technology, we occasionally have loud outburst
which can cause problems within the classroom community. They do know that they only get one
warning and then the game goes off.
Behaviors when using alternative seating still need more research. Our hope is that continued use
and enforcement of rules of use will allow for our more active students to remain engaged while
controlling disruptive tapping and other behaviors.
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