Differentiation uses
different strategies of instruction to help address the student’s strengths,
skills, and interests. The learning environment presented is flexible and
allows for students to learn in their own way, on their own level. Not every
classroom will have all A students. Not every student will grasp a concept the
first or second time it is taught. The goal of differentiation is to provide different
ways to learn a subject so that the student can learn the best way possible.
In physical education differentiation
can be expressed various ways. If the subject is basketball and the height of
the goals can be lowered, the teacher may give the option of which goal to
shoot at, high or low. Some students may not have the coordination to dribble
with a basketball yet so they may need to practice with a larger ball with more
bounce like a kickball. If teaching juggling, the students who have more prior
knowledge and skill may use foam balls to practice with while beginning
jugglers may use scarfs or bandanas which float slower and are easier to catch.
