To What Degree Will Differentiated Instruction Impact Student Grades in a Middle School Classroom?

Author

Maureen K. Wilke

Date of Award

1-2009

Document Type

Thesis

Department

Mathematics

First Advisor

Glen Richgels

Second Advisor

Todd Frauenholtz

Third Advisor

Derek Webb

Abstract

The middle school student population encompasses one of the widest ranges of diversity in the educational system. Besides cultural, religious, educational, economical diversity, the middle school student copes with physical and psychological changes as well. It is important to understand that reaching students successfully is not teaching one way, but providing a learning experience based on students’ needs. The five key differentiated strategies in the classroom are: knowing the student, the environment, meaningful lessons, tiered assignments, and assessment. Gather as much information on the students, such as data from past standardize tests, conversation with students, student journals about success and failure, and classroom observations. Equally important is for the student to feel successful in the classroom by providing a safe and caring environment. When students feel the environment is conducive to learning and success they will continue to work hard and be rewarded with positive results. Designing meaningful lessons will engage all students by incorporating activities and group work to enhance achievement. Tiered assignments are designed from the results of the pre-assessment test. The assignments are one level above the ability of the students in each group. It is important the teacher creates all assessments and when designing assessments, it is important that students obtain success and have mastered the concepts taught. A study was conducted in a middle school. Four groups were studied to see if student achievement would occur with the implementation of differentiation. Findings indicated that there was an increase in student achievement from mid-quarter to the end of the quarter. Successful classrooms need to incorporate differentiated strategies for students to be successful in the classroom.

Recommended Citation

Wilke, Maureen K., "To What Degree Will Differentiated Instruction Impact Student Grades in a Middle School Classroom?" (2009). Mathematics Graduate Theses. 31.
https://pines.bemidjistate.edu/thesis-math/31