Differentiation Myths: What is Differentiation?

Separating fact from fiction of differentiation myths

Have you heard any differentiation myths? Do you know the difference between differentiation fact from fiction? A post I found on Twitter will help. I watch social media closely and it's my job to share some of the hot topics on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and other outlets that teachers, principals, students, and parents are contributing.

Dan McCabe posted an infographic from ASCD on his Twitter account that illustrated the difference between what differentiation is and what it isn't. You can see that graphic below.

Some people clearly have the wrong idea about differentiation. Here's a list of differentiation myths that this infographic busts.

1.Differentiation is a new idea. This isn't true. Differentiation is as old as teaching. It's only been moved into the spotlight now.

2.Differentiation is only for gifted/challenged students. Both of these are false. Differentiation benefits everyone. Even students that fall in the middle of the learning scale have various learning styles and needs.

3. Differentiation is individualized instruction. This isn't true. At the heart of differentiation is a student-focused vision, where students have a voice instead of a teacher dictating to them on an individual level.

What are some other misconceptions you've come across regarding differentiation? What surprised you about this chart? What have you done to differentiate your classroom?

Tori Pakizer is the Social Media Editor at SimpleK12.com. She writes regularly about the use of educational technology in K-12 classrooms, and specializes in how teachers use Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and other social media. You can follow Tori and SimpleK12 on Twitter @SimpleK12. If you have ideas for using social media in schools, please send your information or tip to editor@simplek12.com.