Another Job Application Question

The second standard question on AppliTrack applications for teaching positions concerns differentiated instruction: Here's my standard answer.

How would you address a wide range of skills and abilities in your classroom? 

1. Thoroughly assess individual needs, abilities and preferences at the beginning of the school year. Consult with more experienced teachers who have had the students previously.

2. Use available technology to give multi-modal presentations in the classroom, so that information is communicated is as many different styles (verbal, visual, aural, haptic, etc.) as possible.

3. Encourage expression of mathematical thoughts in different ways. Show that there is often more than one way to reach a desired result.

4. Make time for all students. As classroom time is limited, be available outside of class. Where appropriate, provide supplementary material tailored to individual needs.

5. Explore the use of project-based learning that allows students to bring their individual strengths to a group activity.

6. Consider supervised peer-based tutoring, in which the tutor also benefits by learning to communicate mathematical ideas clearly.

Technology, both in and out of the classroom, can aid many of these efforts, such as multi-modal presentations, supplemental work tailored to individual needs, assessment and record-keeping.