Differentiation

=How can we teach to meet the needs of gifted students?=

A way to helping meet the needs of gifted and talented students is by differentiation in the classroom. A differentiated classroom should be (Tomlinson et al 2003)
 * **Be proactive rather than reactive** - Lessons planned for variance rather than on the spot changes
 * **Use of group work** - small groups of three of four students working together on similar material, being taught in group is more effective than individually.
 * **Vary materials used by individuals and groups** - more able students may advanced texts than other students.
 * **Vary the pace of lessons** - allow students to work at their own pace. Gifted students will often move through material more quickly than others.
 * **Knowledge centered** - use of material to ensure understanding of key ideas
 * **Learner-centered** - formative assessment should be ongoing and students should have a choice in the level of work they do.

Meeting the needs of students can be done through these three types of differentiation

Tomlinson
Differentiates according to content, process or product.

Blooms Taxonomy
Is a tool for multiple levels of thinking



Multiple Intelligences
Theory of Multiple Intelligences states that all people possess at least seven different kinds of intelligences - linguistic, logical-mathematical, visual-spatial, body-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal.