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Module 7: Chapter 9

Overview:

Chapter 9 deals with grouping, differentiation, and technology. The chapter starts off by explaining Carroll's model of school learning and the QAIT model. Quality of instruction, appropriate levels of instruction, incentive and time are underlying factors to consider for effective teaching.

The chapter goes on to describe the different ways students may be grouped based on ability. Then Slavin begins to describe different means of differentiation such as personalized instruction, peer tutoring, and teacher tutoring. 

The chapter then takes a look at the different programs offered for at risk students. Title 1 programs are a type of compensatory program to help overcome low SES. Other programs exist for students who need help overcoming achievement gaps or need extra support such as EIP and after school programs. 

The chapter ends with Slavin describing the different ways technology is used in the classroom. This particular subject is so ever evolving I'm not sure a text book can ever encapsulate the current state of technology in our classrooms, particularly at this point in time. Technology is used for student learning, tutoring, teacher support, assessment, multimedia embedded lessons, admin support, school support, and the list goes on. 

Analysis:

Ability based grouping can be a challenging task to tackle as a teacher. There are different theories about which is better as noted by Slavin on pages 216-221. Between class ability is one of the most common. In a first grade classroom such as mine, rather than students switching classes they switch groups for reading and math based on ability, which is actually within-class ability grouping. 

The question as to whether or not to mix abilities is always looming. Does grouping high and low students actually help bring the lower students up by motivating them? Or does it effect their confidence as they are aware of their shortcomings? 

Grouping is a way to differentiate instruction. Other methods of differentiation that teachers use in the classroom are personalized instruction which is very popular with curriculum such as UOS where one to one conferring is the means of differentiation. Peer tutoring and teacher tutoring are popular methods of differentiation (223). One to one tutoring with a teacher and student is almost always very effective according to Slavin. 

The programs that exist for students at risk seem to vary in effectiveness based on what school or district they are offered in. Compensatory education is a program that is designed to help students with low income overcome their economic disadvantage, almost making up for and giving them resources they wouldn't otherwise have. Other programs such as EIP and after school programs are designed more to offer support for students with achievement gaps. These programs are designed to help students close the gaps and most students don't remain in these programs forever but only during a period of development of skills that seem to be more challenging.

Reflection:

This chapter hits at the heart of everything I do as a teacher every day. Big things. Grouping and differentiation are key elements to providing an effective learning environment for my students. I work hard to make sure I group students according to ability and monitor their progress, making changing when needed to make it most effective. 

Differentiation usually looks like small groups and one to one conferring and feedback right now. Reflecting on the current state of our world, I have genuine concerns for how we are going to be able to group students and differentiate during this pandemic. If we are able to go back face to face in the fall our entire lives will change. We have been told we will have to space desks 6 feet apart. That will physically remove any space for "carpet time" or doing small groups with a teacher. I am concerned how differentiation will be as effective when we have to social distance and wear masks when we communicate. Perhaps this will be a new chapter in future text books as we reflect on elements out of our control and how to face them head on and still be effective educators. 

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