1
Examining the Differentiated Classroom
Western Governors University
D187: Differentiated Instruction
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Video Observation Options: ATLAS Video
The ATLAS video I will observe is GEN EC #173, Investigating Balance and Motion
with Cars and Ramps.
Differentiated Instruction Teacher Practice
While observing the video, I noticed the teacher demonstrated differentiated instruction
in three different ways. One is how the teacher engages in student learning, supporting all
students in completing appropriately challenging tasks and encouraging students in self-testing.
Teacher Engages Student Learning. In the video, the teacher is successfully engaging
all students in a form of student learning. Throughout the lesson, the teacher prominently gives
students different yet specific roles they must take on to successfully complete the lesson. During
the lesson, the students are instructed to take turns in the different roles that are presented by the
teacher. This included things such as building the car itself, constructing the ramp so the car can
go on it, and how to measure the different pieces. The teacher does an excellent job redirecting
students when they become off-task or disengaged. She allows them to explore the other roles
, and find something more engaging for that student if they are not focused or on task.
Supporting All Students In Completing Appropriately Challenging Tasks. The
teacher does an excellent job at finding ways to help all students in the task that can be deemed
appropriately challenging. As I watched the video, the teacher was continuously going around
the room, monitoring each group and checking to see if their steps of initiative to get the car to
go down the ramp were working. As first-grade students, the teacher does an excellent job at
giving direct yet simplified steps that allow them to see where their progress is and make
adjustments as needed. For each group, the students knew the task, which was to build their car
to go down the ramp. For it to be successful, they had to measure and collect the data to see
Examining the Differentiated Classroom
Western Governors University
D187: Differentiated Instruction
2
Video Observation Options: ATLAS Video
The ATLAS video I will observe is GEN EC #173, Investigating Balance and Motion
with Cars and Ramps.
Differentiated Instruction Teacher Practice
While observing the video, I noticed the teacher demonstrated differentiated instruction
in three different ways. One is how the teacher engages in student learning, supporting all
students in completing appropriately challenging tasks and encouraging students in self-testing.
Teacher Engages Student Learning. In the video, the teacher is successfully engaging
all students in a form of student learning. Throughout the lesson, the teacher prominently gives
students different yet specific roles they must take on to successfully complete the lesson. During
the lesson, the students are instructed to take turns in the different roles that are presented by the
teacher. This included things such as building the car itself, constructing the ramp so the car can
go on it, and how to measure the different pieces. The teacher does an excellent job redirecting
students when they become off-task or disengaged. She allows them to explore the other roles
, and find something more engaging for that student if they are not focused or on task.
Supporting All Students In Completing Appropriately Challenging Tasks. The
teacher does an excellent job at finding ways to help all students in the task that can be deemed
appropriately challenging. As I watched the video, the teacher was continuously going around
the room, monitoring each group and checking to see if their steps of initiative to get the car to
go down the ramp were working. As first-grade students, the teacher does an excellent job at
giving direct yet simplified steps that allow them to see where their progress is and make
adjustments as needed. For each group, the students knew the task, which was to build their car
to go down the ramp. For it to be successful, they had to measure and collect the data to see
