Customer Reviews

The Differentiated Classroom: Responding to the Needs of All Learners

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Carol Ann Tomlinson masterfully guides the reader down a logically sequential path that both establishes the philosophical components of differentiation as well as supplies teachers with practical strategies that can be put to use in the classroom tomorrow morning.

There is a naive notion in the educational world that differentiation implies individualization -- far from the truth as Tomlinson weaves her experiences as a teacher in a manner than adds texture and validity to the notion of differentiation for groups of students while still meeting individual learning needs. This approach was not invented to "make a buck". It is an outgrowth of teaching experiences that led Tomlinson and others to the conclusion that students learn at different rates, using different styles, and expressing different needs.

Dr. Tomlinson supplies the reader with several ready-made examples that can be applied immediately in your classroom. There is no need to give up one's personal life to successfully differentiate instruction. Tomlinson suggests beginning slowly and moving at your own rate - always respectful of the magnitude and breadth of the teacher's job.

Carol Ann Tomlinson leads an annual summer workshop on differentiation at the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia. Along with many other leaders in the field of differentiation for mixed ability classrooms, Tomlinson shares with teachers the reality of successfully reaching the varied needs of learners of today. This is a must buy book for teachers at any level.

While I have been studying on my science education master thesis on differentiated instruction, I have had a chance to examine many sources on differentiation, and this book is one of the best books I have seen on differentiation. You can create your own design of differentiated instruction for your unique learners by using this book. It has clear explanations on nearly every aspect of differentiation, no junk/useless statements or figures/tables. Examples focuses directly on the topic. I highly recommend this book to teachers who try to reach and meet the needs of every learner in their classrooms.

I chose this book to read for my education class for the simple reason that I did not know what a differentiated classroom was. I have had ideas for a long time of how I would like to teach, I just never realized there was a name for it. This book explained in detail many examples that could be used in any classroom. This book was very easy to read because it was written in simple terms taken from stories of teachers all around the country. The only thing that I did not like was that a lot of the examples were aimed more at teachers who have been practicing for a while. This is definately a book that I will hold on to and refer to throughout my teaching career.

Carol Ann Tomlinson's book shows teachers how to meet the needs of the wide range of abilities found in most classrooms through effective instructional grouping strategies. Differentiating curriculum is one of the most, if not the most, important skills for teachers to master in order to help all kids reach their full potential. Ms. Tomilson's techniques show teachers how to reach all levels of students - from those needing remediation - to the more advanced learner who needs a faster pace, more independence, and a more in- depth curriculum to thrive. Practical and clearly written... highly recommended.

I read this book through as soon as I received it. Tomlinson is well-respected in her field. Most everything I have read concerns gifted students. This is an excellent resource for ALL students. Differentiation is absolutely necessary in today's classrooms. If all students are to reach their full potential, we must meet them where they are -- and they are all over the place! With so many learners requiring different strategies, finding a way to reach every child is a daunting task. This book gives you the strategies in clear, concise language. The information can be adapted to any subject area or age group. I wish every teacher in my school would read this book!

While I have been studying on my science education master thesis on differentiated instruction, I have had a chance to examine many sources on differentiation, and this book is one of the best books I have seen on differentiation. You can create your own design of differentiated instruction for your unique learners by using it's step by step content. It has clear explanations on nearly every aspect of differentiation, no junk/useless sentences or figures/tables, and examples which focuses directly on the topic. I highly recommend this book to teachers who try to reach and meet the needs of every learner in their classrooms.

I am a classroom teacher. I read this book in a course as part of my Masters in Education program. It has a lot of practical advice for busy classroom teachers. It is easy to read and to apply the ideas into your own classroom. I highly recommend it!

Throughout so much of the history of American public education, the students were subjected to a one-size-fits-all model of instruction where the teacher stood in the front of the classroom and lectured while students were expected to take notes or otherwise "learn" what they were being told. Differentiated instruction puts an end to such torture (okay, there are some learners who thrive in that environment - but learning styles/multiple intelligences is another subject worth exploring) by doing what just makes sense to do: tailoring the instruction to the student instead of trying to force-fit square student pegs into round instructional holes.

I first came across Carol Ann Tomlinson's work as I was pursuing a bachelor of science degree in multidisciplinary studies (religion and special education) from Liberty University. Tomlinson's related work - How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed-Ability Classrooms - was one of my textbooks for two different courses. Having read and enjoyed that work (which I highly recommend), I decided to get The Differentiated Classroom. I'm glad I did! This work shows both seasoned and prospective teachers how they can differentiate instruction in any classroom and why they should. Tomlinson's work is easily accessible as it isn't written for pedagogy theoreticians but for real teachers who work day-to-day in real classrooms. All teachers should add Tomlinson's works on differentiated instruction to their professional libraries.

I am a current college student who read this book as part of the Education course that I am taking. First let me start by saying that I believe this book would be better suited for current teachers, rather than students. Don't get me wrong, this book is very informative, but unless you have a field that you can apply this to it becomes just information and ideas rather than concepts and facts. This is going to be something that I am going to carry into the classroom with me. The ideas that were presented are very note worthy and should be implemented into classrooms across the USA.

Quick and easy read! Really inspires you to get living and offers many good examples as to how to employ DI in the classroom.