Differentiated Instruction to Teach Mathematics: Through the Lens of Responsive Teaching

Authors

  • Leah Herner-Patnode The Ohio State University at Lima
  • Hea-Jin Lee The Ohio State University at Lima

Keywords:

Differentiated Instruction, Responsive Teaching, Preservice Teacher Education, Mathematical Learning Disabilities

Abstract

 

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.

Author Biographies

Leah Herner-Patnode, The Ohio State University at Lima

Leah M. Herner-Patnode, Ed.D  Associate Professor of Special Education, Academic Program Coordinator for Education OSU Lima

Hea-Jin Lee, The Ohio State University at Lima

Hea-Jin Lee, Ph.D

Associate Professor of Mathematics Education

College of Education and Human Ecology

The Ohio State University at Lima

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Published

2021-08-13