WGU D187 Task 1: Analyzing Differentiated Instruction in
the Classroom with Complete Solutions | 2025 Update
Differentiated Instruction – D187 Task 1
Julie Wolfe
Western Governors University
July 10th, 2025
, A. Video selection
High School - Determining the Use and Applications of the Pythagorean Theorem
A1a. Maintaining high expectations for all students
The teacher in this video demonstrated maintaining high expectations for all students by
having the students participate in reciprocal teaching. In observing this lesson, it is evident that
students are deeply familiar with classroom expectations and norms as they are quick to follow
instructions and do so accurately. In the beginning of the video, the students are starting to
memorize and apply different formulas that are used with Pythagorean Theorem, one for a
missing leg and one for a missing hypotenuse. After reviewing these formulas, she instructs
students to work with their partners and teach them the formulas (ATLAS, 2011). This practice
maintains high expectations for all students as it requires students to take ownership of their own
comprehension and understanding. Furthermore, this practice assumes that students are able to
catch and correct mistakes with their peers, deepening their own learning and internalization of
these formulas. When the reciprocal teaching is stopped, the teacher corrects misunderstandings
by asking the class to respond in the correction process, further maintaining the expectation that
they are highly capable of instructing and supporting one another’s learning.
A1b. Engaging all students in learning
The teacher in this video confidently and repeatedly engages all students within the
learning process. Firstly, she often uses choral responses during her teaching which ensures that
all students must remain focused, active participants throughout the entirety of direct instruction.
She also has the students work in collaborative learning partners or groups frequently (ATLAS,
2011). This practice ensures accountability and support as students have another person relying
the Classroom with Complete Solutions | 2025 Update
Differentiated Instruction – D187 Task 1
Julie Wolfe
Western Governors University
July 10th, 2025
, A. Video selection
High School - Determining the Use and Applications of the Pythagorean Theorem
A1a. Maintaining high expectations for all students
The teacher in this video demonstrated maintaining high expectations for all students by
having the students participate in reciprocal teaching. In observing this lesson, it is evident that
students are deeply familiar with classroom expectations and norms as they are quick to follow
instructions and do so accurately. In the beginning of the video, the students are starting to
memorize and apply different formulas that are used with Pythagorean Theorem, one for a
missing leg and one for a missing hypotenuse. After reviewing these formulas, she instructs
students to work with their partners and teach them the formulas (ATLAS, 2011). This practice
maintains high expectations for all students as it requires students to take ownership of their own
comprehension and understanding. Furthermore, this practice assumes that students are able to
catch and correct mistakes with their peers, deepening their own learning and internalization of
these formulas. When the reciprocal teaching is stopped, the teacher corrects misunderstandings
by asking the class to respond in the correction process, further maintaining the expectation that
they are highly capable of instructing and supporting one another’s learning.
A1b. Engaging all students in learning
The teacher in this video confidently and repeatedly engages all students within the
learning process. Firstly, she often uses choral responses during her teaching which ensures that
all students must remain focused, active participants throughout the entirety of direct instruction.
She also has the students work in collaborative learning partners or groups frequently (ATLAS,
2011). This practice ensures accountability and support as students have another person relying
