Running head: DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION

Differentiated Instruction
Berlinda Juste
AET 525
April 28, 2014
Dr. Sam Obeng-Dompreh

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Abstract
After looking over a lesson plan, I had an opportunity to make some recommended
modifications. I recommended some modifications for the content that included watching a video
and having a discussion on the video. In addition, I recommended modifications to the
instructional strategies that included doing additional worksheets as a class activity and doing a
role play. Moreover, I added a game at the end of class to build interest. Furthermore, I
recommended modifications for mastery of the content such as a summative assessment
with 25 multiple choice and 25 short answer questions. Homework was used as a formative
assessment for mastery of the content. Finally, I recommended changing the environment by
leaving the classroom and going to a lab to complete assignments via the computer and audio
devices.

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Differentiated Instruction
After looking over a lesson plan for low to intermediate level adult English
Language Learners (ELL) students, I wanted to make some modifications using differentiated
instruction. The lesson plans theme was employment, and I noticed that instructional strategies
such as discussions, group work, individual work, and questioning were used. However, since
the students are low to intermediate level English Language Learners, I think additional
modifications should be implemented for the lesson plan to differentiate the content to be
learned. For instance, since the theme is employment, I would have the students watch a 10 to 15
minute video about employment at the very beginning of class. By watching the video, students
would have the opportunity to see different professions and also hear the pronunciation of words.
I also believe by doing this it would be an excellent method to stimulate interest for the content.
Then I would have a class discussion about the video. To get the discussion started, I would ask a
series of questions which I would have written down beforehand. Students would then have an
opportunity to answer the questions. The way they respond to the questions would be an informal
assessment of their comprehension of the video. Basically, these are modifications I would make
specifically in the instruction of my lesson plan.
I would also vary the instructional strategies to teach the required content.
Knowing that English Language Learners love to have an opportunity to speak in order for them
to practice the language, I would give the students additional opportunities to speak. For
example, I would go over the answers with the students for each worksheet assignment as a
class. Of course, I would circulate about the room and have the students share their responses
with me. This way, students are speaking and practicing their pronunciation of words. This also
gives the students an opportunity to verify how much they know and understand. Furthermore, I

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would give the students an opportunity to do role play. I believe role play gives them an
opportunity to practice speaking English, and it provides them with the opportunity to have
authentic learning. For example, for worksheet number 2 on the lesson plan, it discusses personal
qualities people have for certain jobs. As a result, I would have the students do a role play in
front of the class after completing the assignment as a group. The students would simply act out
the qualities in front of the class. For instance, I would have the students do a role play in an
interview format. One student would be the interviewer and the other student would be the
interviewee. The interviewer would ask the types of qualities the interviewee possesses, and the
interviewee would have to speak about the qualities. Moreover, each student would have an
opportunity to do this role play. Furthermore, I would play a game at the end of the class
especially to assist them with their vocabulary. I think games reiterate what students have
learned, and it helps instructors to assess if students have mastered the concept. However, for this
particular lesson plan, I think playing games would be used to emphasize vocabulary. Games are
also a great way to keep students motivated.
In the lesson plan, I noticed that worksheets were used to demonstrate mastery of
the content, and students also shared their ideas on responses with the class as well. I think as the
instructor, I would require them to complete more worksheets as a homework assignment to give
them an opportunity to practice what was learned in the class. In addition to the homework
assignment, I would provide them a summative assessment that includes 25 multiple choice and
25 short answer questions regarding employment. They would also need at least 80% or higher
to show mastery of the content. Surely, this test would be given at the end of the week when the
content discussed would be complete.

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Besides recommendations for demonstrating mastery of the required content, I

would also make recommendations on the environment to alternate learning. I was looking over
the lesson plan, and I realized that the plan lacked the integration of technology. I think
sometimes students want to utilize technology because it is part of everyday life now, and
English Language Learners would love to have the chance to use English in everyday settings.
As a result, I would give each student an opportunity to complete individual assignments on the
computer. I would take them to a lab in the school where there are many computers. They would
simply do activities to reiterate what was learned. Furthermore, I would have students listen to
CDs in the lab to help them with pronunciation. This way, all learning styles would be covered.
The computer would accommodate visual learners, the auditory aids would accommodate
auditory learners, and the role play would accommodate the kinesthetic learners.
I believe that each modification I recommended would enhance the facilitation of
adult learners. For instance, videos stimulate interest of the content especially when it is shown
prior to introducing a topic. I also believe that a discussion should take place immediately after
watching the video. It would give the instructor an opportunity to reiterate what the students have
seen and give more details about the topic. From there, the instructor can ask questions and
students can do the same. By doing this, the instructor would be able to assess what the students
do and do not understand. I also believe that doing assignments in class emphasizes the topic
being taught. It is another way to practice what has been taught for comprehension. Furthermore,
role play gives students an opportunity to interact with their peers, and it gives students a chance
to apply what they have learned. Moreover, having a game at the end of class would build
interest and reiterate the theme. Students have an opportunity to be amused while learning. For
mastery of the topic, I think homework is always a good source of a formative assessment

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because students are practicing what they have learned, and I can grade it to see how much they
understand. However, I believe in having summative assessments at the end of a unit to verify
what students have really learned. I recommended a test with 25 multiple choice questions and
25 short answers because the in class activities and homework assignments were usually in this
pattern. I believe structure and consistency works for both young and adult learners. Finally,
adult learners like to be able to apply what they have learned to everyday living. Using
technology such as computers and audio devices give adult learners an opportunity to apply their
knowledge to everyday living.
All in all, the modifications I made to the lesson plan were to enhance learning.
Modifications such as videos, additional discussions, and role plays were some of the
recommendations that were made to make learning more effective for students. In addition,
modifications in instructional strategies, learning style variations, environments, and
demonstration of mastery of content were recommended. All of these recommendations were
recommended simply to enhance the facilitation of adult learners.