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Karen Bowler
National University
LITERATURE REVIEW – DOMAIN B (STANDARD 2) 2
Abstract
Standard 2 of the Nevada Teacher Instructional Practice Standards states that leaning
tasks should have high cognitive demand for diverse learners. This can be difficult for teachers,
but by meeting this requirement, student growth can be maximized and result in individual
success for all students. This literature review will summarize an article discussing differentiated
instruction, why it is important, and suggested tips in helping teachers develop in their ability to
(PDQP).
LITERATURE REVIEW – DOMAIN B (STANDARD 2) 3
Our students – they are vastly different in many ways. Physical appearance, stages of
developments, ethnicities, learning styles, prior experiences . . . the list could go on and on. As
educators, getting to know our students is imperative in helping us to create learning experiences
that meet their individual needs and interests in order to unlock their desire to learn and facilitate
“In order to uphold this responsibility, teachers investigate and analyze students' written
work, verbal responses, and participation in classroom life (Eursery, 2016). Often times, we
observe our students struggling during the learning process which sometimes develops into
want our students to experience some frustration in order to develop their cognitive ability, yet
not so much that they become overly frustrated to the point of feeling defeated. What can we do
as teachers to change students’ perspectives and mindsets to embrace and welcome frustration?
One way is to differentiate learning experiences in order to meet the needs and interests of our
students.
expecting students to adjust to the curriculum. Flexibility is crucial for teachers to be effective in
the ever-changing field of education and to help all students develop skills that will allow them
to not only survive, but thrive in the world. For this reason, teachers need to evolve as their
students evolve. The lesson plans and activities that may have been effective for one class, may
not be for another because the needs, abilities and interests of the students will not be the same.
Therefore, it is essential that teachers modify and adjust their plans and resources in order to
LITERATURE REVIEW – DOMAIN B (STANDARD 2) 4
meet the diverse needs of their students from year to year and class to class. For teachers to
know when and how to make these adjustments and modifications, they must know their
As teachers, we desire to assist and encourage our students as they develop their skills
and abilities to think, innovate, reflect, and contribute to the world. It is essential that teachers
provide opportunities for students to cultivate and improve such skills. Differentiation provides
a way for teachers to accomplish this by meeting each learner at their level.
Eursery (2016) likened the process of planning and implementing differentiation to going
1. Examine the destination – we need to know where we are going and where we
want to end. This applies to teaching and learning too. We need to establish what
their journey as we identify and consider different paths to help them reach their
destination
2. Map out the journey – as teachers, we have the ability to see the big picture or the
road map with the possible paths our drivers (students) may take. While there is
one destination, each driver may take a different road to arrive there. This is
suited for our students. In doing so, we need to consider each students’ prior
knowledge, experiences, abilities, and needs to develop a path to help them reach
3. Fuel up the car – just as cars require fuel to perform, so, too, do students as we
fill up their “think tanks” and ignite their passion for learning. Students need to
know that we will be right by their side throughout their journey. If students feel
defeated before their journey begins, why would they even want to start?
Preparing them for their trip and creating excitement for the journey is crucial.
4. Enjoy the ride – Expecting the unexpected and being flexible to situations that
may arise is the main thing to remember throughout the ride. Detours may be
moments” that result in new paths to our destination. Helping drivers (students)
understand that these roadblocks do not mean the journey has come to an end, but
Through differentiating our instruction, we can provide opportunities for all students that
require high-cognitive demand and result in maximum student growth and individual success.
LITERATURE REVIEW – DOMAIN B (STANDARD 2) 6
References
Eursery, K. (2016). Differentiation: Closing the Gap Between Frustration and Success.
Teaching and Learning in Diverse Way. Association for Middle Level Education.
ArtMID/888/ArticleID/714/Differentiation-Closing-the-Gap-between-Frustration-and-
Success.aspx