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Differentiation TechniqueAnti-Techniques

Read The Overview: What Differentiation Does NOT Look Like

There's lots of faux-differentiation out there. In this article, I catalog a few anti-patterns: tactics that *look* like differentiation, but are actually quite the opposite.

Specific Examples of “Anti-Techniques”

Choice Menus: Quality or Mere Quantity?

Choice Menus: Quality or Mere Quantity?

I used to create extension menus, thinking they were an essential tool for differentiation. Overtime, I've changed my thinking. Here's why.
When Too Much “Depth” Leads To Simplicity

When Too Much “Depth” Leads To Simplicity

Here's the most common mistake I've seen in implementing Depth and Complexity. And I made it too!
“Engagement” isn’t BAD, but…

“Engagement” isn’t BAD, but…

"Engagement" is a nice by-product of a well-designed lesson, but it sure isn't our actual goal as educators.

Over-Scaffolding Writing

Here's what happens when we make a scaffold the final product.

Why Gifted Kids May Not Be Great Tutors

It's so easy to assume gifted kids will be the academic leaders in a classroom. Beacons of light for the other kids to follow. Dina Brulles and Susan Winebrenner explain the problem…

What Differentiation Does NOT Look Like

There's lots of faux-differentiation out there. In this article, I catalog a few anti-patterns: tactics that look like differentiation, but are actually quite the opposite.

Beware Information! Look For Solutions.

As a teacher, I painted myself into a corner by constantly looking for more information. I’d read books by university professors, I’d go to conferences and listen to people talk, I’d subscribe to newsletters, and listen to podcasts. What did all of this information give me? Confusion. Anxiety. And the feeling of being overwhelmed. After […]

What “Gamification” Gets All Wrong About Games

I love Margaret Robertson's piece about how typical gamification items like badges and levels completely miss the point of what makes games great. Take a look.

Encourage Interests, Don’t Expect Passions

"Passion" is kind of a ridiculous expectation when you think about it.

Beware “Real World Problems”

Why I stopped looking for “real world” problems and started aiming for “interesting.” The real world is often tedious and annoying. Interesting never is!
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