An Introduction to Differentiation

In this unit students will examine approaches for differentiating teaching to meet the specific learning needs of students across the full range of abilities, including those who are gifted. They will investigate teaching strategies that are responsive to the learning strengths and needs of students from diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds. Students will explore programs, resources and policy documents, which enable and support teachers to develop practices that cater to the specific, but differing learning needs of students so that all can participate fully within the classroom and school. This exploration will include a focus on the relevant legislative requirements.
This unit builds on students primary school professional experiences and will supports them to articulate and reflect on important questions regarding the impact of teachers' work. They will reflect on students' experiences of, and learning in, primary schools by investigating personal, school-based, theoretical and socio-cultural explanations of their experiences in educational settings, including the principles underpinning the creation of differentiated classroom environments. This is a praxis inquiry unit in students will undertake professional experience in a primary school and have the opportunity to develop a range of teaching strategies ready to trial them in future placements.