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Differentiation TechniqueAnti-Techniques

Read The OverviewWhat 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.

Read the overview ❯

Specific Examples of “Anti-Techniques”

Don’t Just “Have A Discussion”

Why I now strike the phrase “have a discussion” from my lesson plans.

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.

“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.

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.

What Textbooks Think “Differentiated Instruction” Looks Like

In a time when teachers feel prohibited from writing their own lessons, many are limited by what their textbooks offer. So what, exactly, do textbooks offer in terms of differentiation for gifted learners?

When Too Much “Depth” Leads To Simplicity

Here’s the most common mistake I’ve seen in implementing depth and complexity: the “fill in the blanks” worksheet.

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!

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.