Implementing differentiated education: why diversity must be appreciated

Abstract

This reflection paper illustrates the relevance of differentiated education in our current times, which brings to light students' learning differences and innovative tailored-teaching approaches, leaving behind the traditional so called onesize- fits-all teaching method. The author will start by defining what differentiation is about. She will proceed by explaining the advantages of implementing differentiated education in our classrooms at all ages and subjects as well as describing potential activities to promote flexible-customized lessons based on students' needs and varied academic performance levels. The author will end describing a set of strategies to target students' senses, encourage problem-solving skills, support cooperative learning, and adapt assignments so learners feel capable of succeeding in an academic setting. (English) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Este artículo de reflexión ilustra la importancia de la educación diferenciada en nuestros tiempos la cual reconoce las diferencias de aprendizaje de los estudiantes y los modelos de enseñanza personalizados e innovadores, dejando atrás el método tradicional de enseñanza en el que todos deben encajar. La autora empezará por definir que es la diferenciación; luego, ella procederá a explicar las ventajas de implementar la educación diferenciada en nuestras aulas de clase para todas las edades y asignaturas; adicionalmente, describirá actividades potenciales para promover clases individualizadas y flexibles basadas en las necesidades de los estudiantes y variados niveles de desempeño académico. La autora terminará describiendo un grupo de estrategias que focalizan los sentidos, motivan las habilidades para resolver problemas, apoyan el aprendizaje colaborativo, y adaptan las tareas de tal forma que los estudiantes se sientan capaces de tener éxito en sus labores académicas. (Spanish) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Revista Temas is the property of Universidad Santo Tomas, Bucaramanga and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)