Differentiated Instruction to Teach Mathematics: Through the Lens of Responsive Teaching
Keywords:
Differentiated Instruction, Responsive Teaching, Preservice Teacher Education, Mathematical Learning DisabilitiesAbstract
Preparing future teachers to be responsive to the needs of all students in their classrooms is the goal of any excellent teacher preparation program. How to prepare the preservice teachers (PTs) to be responsive to their students can be challenging. The study followed eight preservice teachers for two years and investigated their differentiation strategies and approaches for responding to their students’ academic and cultural needs. Two data sources - lesson plans and reflective commentary about their lessons - were analysed through document analysis. There was an overall improvement in differentiation and responsiveness from third to fourth year. Results indicate some skill in process differentiation and responding to community culture, but more skills are necessary in the practice of teaching.
Preparing future teachers to be responsive to the needs of all students in their classrooms is the goal of any excellent teacher preparation program. How to prepare the preservice teachers (PTs) to be responsive to their students can be challenging. The study followed eight preservice teachers for two years and investigated their differentiation strategies and approaches for responding to their students’ academic and cultural needs. Two data sources - lesson plans and reflective commentary about their lessons - were analysed through document analysis. There was an overall improvement in differentiation and responsiveness from third to fourth year. Results indicate some skill in process differentiation and responding to community culture, but more skills are necessary in the practice of teaching.References
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