Differentiated Instruction

Differentiated instruction refers to the use of multiple instructional strategies in teaching similar materials to students. Differentiated learning takes note of the differences in the learning abilities among children with disabilities. Differentiating instruction may mean teaching the same material to all students using a variety of instructional strategies, or it may require the teacher to deliver lessons at varying levels of difficulty based on the ability of each student. The approach provides students within the same classroom different avenues to learn. The avenues are focused on either aiding them to make sense of ideas or to construct process or acquire content, in order to ensure that all students learn effectively irrespective of the learning difficulties associated with the nature of their disability (Gregory, 2013). It may involve adjustment of lesson content, designing of lessons in accordance with learning styles for their students or using formative assessment.

Universal design for Learning

Universal Design for Learning is a term used to refer to a framework of education focused on the development of a flexible learning environment accommodative of learning differences that exist among individuals.UDL recognizes that individuals learn in unique ways. It is used on the basis of creating approaches that are flexible and which can be adjusted to meet different learning needs of people with disabilities. It provides teachers with a blueprint through which they can create assessments, materials, methods and instructional goals (Gargiulo & Metcalf, 2017). Universal design of learning is used in creating multiple presentations means that provide learners with alternatives for acquiring knowledge and information. It is also applied through the creation of multiple means of student engagement in order to motivate them to learn. Finally, this method is used to create multiple means of learner expression through which they can demonstrate what they know

Technology in the classroom

Technology in the classroom refers to a set of technological aids used in the classroom to make the learning process more effective. For students with disabilities, technology in the classroom has provided them with revolutionized possibilities. Technology in the classroom is characterized by the rapid application of computer-based technology, to aid the learning of people with disabilities. Technology in the classroom is used in making it easier for disabled students to participate in educational experiences, communicate their work and ideas and access materials (Hamilton & International Society for Technology in Education, 2015). Assistive classroom technology provides aids such as visual, hearing and mobility aids.

Response to interventions

Response to intervention used by educators to identify students with learning difficulties and offer them the necessary support. The aim of the intervention is to identify such students with behavior and learning needs early. Educators use a variety learning instructions to enhance the chances of students with disabilities being successful in class through accelerating their learning rates. The process is initiated through screening such as the use of test scores for all students to identify struggling learners (Clark, Alvarez, 2010). Upon identification, appropriate interventions are rolled out after which progress is closely monitored. The duration for individual students is determined by their response rate. More serious interventions are rolled out in case the learner fails to respond to initial interventions.

References

Clark, J. P., & Alvarez, M. (2010). Response to intervention: A guide for school social workers. New York: Oxford University Press.

Gargiulo, R. M., & Metcalf, D. J. (2017). Teaching in today’s inclusive classrooms: A universal design for learning approach.

Gregory, G. (2013). Differentiated instructional strategies: One size doesn’t fit all. Thousand Oaks, California : Corwin Press

Hamilton, B., & International Society for Technology in Education,. (2015). Integrating technology in the classroom: Tools to meet the needs of every student.