Differentiation by level
In groups where learners have different levels of knowledge, skills, experiences and understanding, your aim should be to tailor learning activities and resources to reflect these differences. This is differentiation by level.
If you haven't already done so, check the sections on Differentiation and Relevance.
Getting it right for all learners means focussing on the following:
- making use of the information you have gathered through initial assessment to work out what approaches will best suit the members of your group.
- thinking about:
- how you might adjust your own teaching style
- the design of activities
- the length of time you expect learners to spend on them; and
- what you expect each learner to achieve.
To ensure that every learner has a positive learning experience, you need to:
- provide suitably challenging activities for learners at higher levels, as well as for those who have less experience
- find ways for learners at different levels to work together at some points during sessions, while having their individual needs met at other times
- capture all of these intentions on your scheme of work and your session plans; and
- prepare resources appropriate to the activities you have planned.
Talk to your Subject Learning Coach and your colleagues about your strategies for differentiation by level.
In Gurinder's cookery class, the group worked on cakes and biscuits ready for their half term social. The less experienced members of the group made batches of flapjacks, with a number of variations including the addition of lemon or pecan nuts. The more experienced members made chocolate logs. Gurinder demonstrated how to roll the sponge once it had cooled and had been spread with brandy cream filling. As this was a tricky process, each learner made two sponges so that if the first one cracked, they could try again to achieve a professional finish. As the two groups worked, Gurinder gave special attention to Stacey who had been practising at home, and had some questions about how blind bake flan cases without them shrinking. All learners finished their tasks at the same time.