Differentiation in Mathematics
The following are suggestions given by Dana T. Johnson
in Teaching Mathematics to Gifted Students in a Mixed-Ability Classroom
(2000) for differentiating for the mathematically gifted by using (1)
assessment, (2) curriculum materials, (3) instructional techniques, and (4)
grouping models.
- Give pre-assessments so that students do not have
to repeat material they already know.
- Create assessments that allow for differences in
understanding, creativity, and accomplishment; give students a chance to
show what they have learned. Encourage students to explain their
solutions both orally and in writing.
- Provide multiple resources for students to
explore.
- Be flexible about pace. Allow those who have
mastered the basic skills to move on to more advanced problems.
- Use inquiry-based, discovery learning approaches
that use open-ended problems with multiple solutions or multiple paths
to solutions.
- Use a lot of higher-level questions in
justification and discussion of problems. Ask “why” and “what if.”
- Provide enrichment activities such as puzzles and
games.
- Provide activities that can be done independently
or in groups based on student choice.
- Provide useful concrete experiences.
