ISLAMIC ONLINE UNIVERSITYBACHELOR OF EDUCATION  FULL NAME: HASSAN FARAJ AWADH BAMAFTAH LD NO: 10026947 COURSE NAME/CODE:  DIFFERENTIATEDINSTRUCTION                                       (EDU 106)  QUESTION:In essay format, using examples, compare and contrast traditionalteaching methods with differentiated instruction.Word limit: 1000 to 1200 ANSWER (Attempt 1)  IntroductionTeachingmethods have changed dramatically over the years. Traditional method ofteaching is when a teacher directs students to learn through memorization andrecitation techniques, whereas differentiated instruction requires interactivemethods, and student-based of teaching. Students learn through groupparticipation, and develop their critical thinking, problem solving, anddecision making skills.TraditionalTeaching MethodIt is a method that depends on direct teaching through lectures andteacher-led presentations.

It involves learning through observing and imitatingthe teacher’s procedure. The students are viewed exclusively as the receivers ofknowledge and information. Because of their ideal knowledge and dignity,teachers are in a position of mastery over their students. Traditional method does not include student choices or give them chancesfor different types of learning.

It frequently relies on use of textbooks andworkbooks than use of technology (computers and internet). The main aim oftraditional teaching method is to pass the examination. (Thakur, 2011).Differentiated Instruction It is theteaching practice of tailoring instruction to meet individual needs of alltypes of learners. The practice involves taking each student’s backgroundknowledge, readiness, preferences in learning, and interests into account. Lessonscan then be differentiated in three areas: contact, process, and products.Differentiatedinstruction is a student-centered learning method, teachers and students playan equally active role in the learning process.

It is more actively based,using questioning, explaining, and collaboration activities. Studentinteraction is encouraged, and use of different multimedia technology to supportstudents in their learning. Comparison ofTraditional Teaching Method and Differentiated InstructionThe followingare some key principles between the two teaching methods:1.     Student-centered Approach Vs. Teacher-centered ApproachDifferentiatedinstruction is a student-centered technique of learning.

Students and teachersshare the same centre of interest, and they interact in the same manner. Groupwork is motivated, and students learn to collaborate and communicate with eachother. The teacher’s main role is to facilitate and collaborate studentlearning.

Teachers can differentiate on how students gain content, the types ofactivities students do to master a concept, what the end product of learning appears,and how the classroom is arranged.Traditionalteaching method is a teacher-centered approach of learning; students put all oftheir focus on the teacher. The teacher talks and the students solely listen.During activities, students work on their own, and group work is not encouraged.2.

     Collaborative learningCollaborativelearning is a useful differentiation method, in which students work in team tosolve a problem, complete an assignment, or create a project. Students can alsoshare strengths and also upgrade their weaknesses. They develop theirinterpersonal skills and learn to deal with disagreement. The method allows shystudents to engage more confidently in class. Whereas, a whole-classinstruction method is used in traditional teaching. 3.

     Project-Based LearningProject-basedlearning is a differentiated teaching method, in which students gain knowledgeand skills by working for an longer period of time to explore and respond to trueengagement, and complex question, problem or challenge.Project-basedlearning focuses on expanding critical thinking and problem solving skills inthe students. It is inquiry-based method of learning to solve the problem givenon projects to the students. It is a style of active learning.

(Bhagi, 2017)Projectlearning is better for preparing students to find solution to the real worldproblems than classrooms based learning in traditional method of teaching.4.     Interest-Based LearningIndifferentiated instruction, students are regularly guided in makinginterest-based learning choices.

They are given options at every step of theacademic unit, in deciding which aspects of a topic interest them (content), bychoosing the most beneficial means of gaining the knowledge (process), and bychoosing a method of presenting their knowledge (product).Research oninterest-based motivation indicates that interest has a strong effect onstudent’s motivation and they will develop a higher level of skills in asubject if they are interested and engaged (Beidelman, 2015). In interest-basedlearning, the teachers have the ability to integrate an interest of the studentwith a project. Whereas, in traditional teaching method, student interest isinfrequently guided.5.     MaterialsIndifferentiated instruction teachers use multiple materials to approach a topicfrom different perspective. They tailor the use of different sources fordifferent students to best suit their needs and provide a selection ofmaterials from which students can pick. Some students may need basic texts,others are able of working with advanced vocabulary and complex ideas.

Whereas onematerial is used in traditional teaching method.6.     AssessmentIndifferentiated classroom, the students are assessed on an ongoing structure,and in various ways, so that teaching can be continuously modified according tothe students’ needs.

This assessment enables teachers closely observe a student’sprogressing knowledge, understanding, and skills, and also disclose students’ differentinterests and approaches to learning.In traditionalteaching method, the assessment is done at the end of learning, and a singleformat is usually used.7.     Multimedia and TechnologyDifferentiatedinstruction uses different multimedia and technology to assist students intheir classroom learning. For example, power point slides, video clips, mindmap, and internet.

Multimedia isone of the tools that suits the modish students’ interest. It combines avariety of elements, including texts, graphics, audio, video, and animation whicharouse students’ interest. It also makes the lesson interesting and enjoyable.According tothe Centre for Applied Research in Education Technology (CARET), technology canhelp improve students’ performance, and more engaging, relevant, and individualizedlearning, which can lead to higher academic achievement (Smith & Throne,2007)ConclusionDifferentiatedinstruction deals with a group of different individuals, and adopting teachingtechniques that ensures all of them have access to learn.It is moremotivating than traditional teaching method, and motivation is one of the most significantaspects of student’s education, and more effective in motivating students tocommunicate and having a positive attitude to the subject.

It strengthen students’collaboration and therefore are more productive in developing their criticalthinking, problem solving and decision-making skills.Research showsthat teaching methods that are active, interpersonal, engaging, andstudent-centered lead to intensive learning.     References BBCActive,(n.d). Collaborative Learning: Encouraging Shy Students toParticipate   in Group Activities. Accessedon 20th December 2017. Retrieved from:http://www.

bbcactive.com/BBCActiveIdeasandResources/EncouragingShyStudentstoParticipateinGroups.aspxBBCActive, (n.d.

). Methods of Differentiation in  the Classroom. Accessed on 20th  December 2017.Retrieved from:http://www.bbcactive.com/BBCActiveIdeasandResources/MethodsofDifferentiationintheClassroom.aspxBeidelman,J., (2015).

Interest-Based Learning. Accessed on 20thDecember 2017. Retrieved from:   http://brocksacademy.com/2014/01/the-benefits-of-interest-based-learning/Bhagi, U.,(2017). Reasons WhyProject-Based Learning is Better than Traditional Classroom Learning.

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d). What Makes a Differentiated Classroom Different from a TraditionalClassroom. Accessed on 20th December 2017. Retrieved from:   http://teachingasleadership.org/sites/default/files/How_To/PP/P4/P4_Trad_v_Diff_Classroom.pdf Thakur,A.

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Retrieved from:   http://www.indiastudychannel.com/resources/146615-Teaching-with-modern-and-traditional-methods.

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Accessed on 20th December 2017. Retrieved from:   http://www.iste.org/images/excerpts/diffk5-excerpt.pdf