Differentiating in Math Class

Hi Blogger Friends, 

In my last post I talked about how you could differentiate in science class, but today we are going to talk about how you can differentiate in math class. I found an article online that gave some really good strategies to remember when differentiating in math. A few of those ideas are.. 

• At the beginning of the year, review student records, examining standardized test scores and previous mathematics grades to help you understand the level of each student.
• Before beginning, give students a learning style inventory to determine which strategies will work best for each student.
• Throughout the year, give students interest inventories to determine real-world situations that interest them. For example, are students more interested in sports statistics or architecture? Use these topics to help you design assignments and projects.
• Before you begin a topic, chapter, or unit, give the students a pre-test to assess their knowledge and skill level for the content. To write the pre-test, make a list of the objectives you want your students to accomplish and write items to measure each objective.
• Keep a file folder for each student with pertinent information you have compiled.
• Have computers and/or a variety of resource books available to facilitate student-directed research.
• For projects or activities, group students according to ability or interest. For example, during a unit on percent, several students may be interested in population growth.
• Ask the special education department about resources that are available. For example, will an aide be provided to assist you with these students? Are one-on-one tutors available?
• Have older students act as aides or tutors during class to help students with special needs if your school allows.
• Group ESL students with students who may have some knowledge of their language. In small mixed language groups, have ESL students share basic terms in their language with English-speaking students.
• Don't forget the gifted student. Find projects or activities that will challenge these students

I want my students to love math and be able to do it and be confident while completing the task. These are a few ways that I can help my students with their learning process. 

Till next time..