Contextualized differentiated instruction in contemporary issues vis-à-vis the development of its COVID-19 model

The study analyzed the effectiveness of Contextualized Differentiated Instruction (CDI) in the teaching of Contemporary Issues, a Social Studies subject in Grade 10 with these of objectives by: (1) Determining its pre-post-test results; (2) Testing its significant mean difference; (3) Analyzing its learning competencies and identifying appropriate strategies; and (4) Formulating an enhanced CDI Model of Contextualized Teaching and Learning (CTL). A one group quasi-experimental design, using pretest-and-posttest, determined the respondents’ performance on Contemporary Issues. A significant difference in the pre-posttest demonstrated an increase of proficiency manifested by an increase in the mean scores and enhanced qualitative equivalents. An above proficiency level revealed in the posttest was attributed by the engagement of the respondents in the learning process using contextual differentiated learning activities. Matching the learning competencies with the three learning domains of Gardner’s multiple intelligences resulted in a substantial utilization of the interactive and prospective teaching strategies, except on the analytic teaching strategies that were found inadequate. Hence, the creation of the COVID-19 Model may juxtapose the essence of an enhanced CDI Model of CTL. The findings have social and practical value to support differentiation of instruction in the 21st century education.

Differentiation to Accommodate Diverse Learners in the Flipped Classroom

Flipping learning is an effective instructional strategy that allows for differentiation of instruction in a classroom with diverse learners. Paying particular attention to diversity of academic backgrounds and preparedness for college courses, this chapter explores differentiation strategies that could benefit a broad spectrum of learners in a flipped classroom. These differentiation strategies are at the course design and implementation levels and include differentiation strategies for pre-class preparation, in-class activities, and assessment.

Teacher Key Competencies for Inclusive Education: Tapping Pragmatic Realities of Zimbabwean Special Needs Education Teachers

This study examined the teaching competencies perceived by special needs education teachers to be essential for inclusive education. Entrenched in inclusive pedagogy, this descriptive study draws on a sample of 24 special needs education primary school teachers purposively drawn from Midlands educational province of Zimbabwe. Throughout the analysis of data, a constant comparative approach of the organization of data with continual adjustment was used. The study found that participants perceived screening and assessment, differentiation of instruction, classroom and behavior management, and collaboration to be key competencies required of teachers for inclusive education. Pre-service and in-service training of teachers in these key competencies could facilitate successful and effective implementation of inclusive education through equipping them to respond to child diversity. This study could serve as a baseline for future research on key competencies of teachers for inclusive education.

The Power of Peers

General education classrooms are growing increasingly diverse and include students with wide-ranging abilities, including children with disabilities, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and children from poverty. Coupled with the need to implement 21st Century Skills, teachers need the knowledge and skills to implement research-supported interventions in a flexible and student-centered manner. Based on these needs, the purpose of this chapter is to profile two strategies that have been exemplified in the content area of reading (i.e., class-wide peer tutoring, repeated reading). Both strategies are supported by research, are particularly suited for differentiation of instruction in classrooms that include diverse learners, and can incorporate various aspects of 21st century skills. It is hoped that teachers will gain the skills to implement effective interventions that support both the practice of reading and 21st century skills.

Three Innovations: Promises and Perils

In 2003, I began a longitudinal study into the purpose of education. The process of my investigation included getting involved in new innovations as they were introduced to our school board. As I looked deeper into the purpose of schooling I discovered some startling things about how and why systems of education, through the apparatus of schooling, influence who and what, professionally, people become. I also discovered patterns related to the act of becoming that exist in school reforms. This study analyzes three reforms introduced between 2003 and 2017: Professional Learning Community, Differentiation of Instruction, and Social-Emotional Learning.

Benefits of Collaboration between the ESOL Teacher and the Library Media Specialist

With class sizes, administrator expectations, and general workloads increasing, ESOL teachers can feel overwhelmed. This article describes the benefits that ESOL teachers may experience when collaborating with school library media specialists (LMSs) regarding the differentiation of instruction, collaborative planning of lessons, technology integration, and student relationships.