How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed-Ability Classrooms (Paperback)

by Carol Ann Tomlinson (Author)
Key Phrases: differentiated classroom, cube tasks, differentiating content, Civil War, Tuck Everlasting (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
In this 2nd edition of a book that has provided inspiration to countless teachers, Carol Ann Tomlinson offers three new chapters, extended examples and information in every chapter, and field-tested strategies that teachers can use in today's increasingly diverse classrooms. Tomlinson shows how to use students' readiness levels, interests, and learning profiles to address student diversity.

In addition, the author shows teachers how to differentiate, or structure, lessons at every grade level and content area to provide "scaffolds"--as well as high-speed elevators--for

$ The content of lessons, $ The processes used in learning, and $ The products of learning.

Teachers can draw on the book's practical examples as they begin to differentiate instruction in their own classrooms. Strategies include curriculum compacting, "sidebar" investigations, entry points, graphic organizers, contracts, and portfolios. As Tomlinson says, "Differentiation challenges us to draw on our best knowledge of teaching and learning. It suggests that there is room for both equity and excellence in our classrooms.

About the Author

Carol Ann Tomlinson is Associate Professor of Educational Leadership, Foundations and Policy at Curry School of Education, University of Virginia.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 117 pages
• Publisher: Association for Supervision & Curriculum Deve; 2 edition (April 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0871205122
• ISBN-13: 978-0871205124
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.7 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #15,656 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #1 in	Books > Nonfiction > Education > Instruction Method > Individualized
  #19 in	Books > Nonfiction > Education > Education Theory > Classroom Management
  #53 in	Books > Nonfiction > Education > Lesson Planning

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

55 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars User friendly guide to differentiation, May 18, 2000

By	Carolyn (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed-Ability Classrooms (Paperback)

This book was an excellent "how to" guide for teachers to use to improve the quality of instruction for their students. The text is clear and to the point. Scenarios are given for elementary as well as secondary mixed-ability classrooms to give you a picture of what differentiation looks like in a variety of settings. In our very diverse schools, knowing how to accommodate the varied learning needs of our students is no longer an option - it's what successful teaching is all about.

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Place to Start for DI, December 15, 2006

By	John McCarthy "storywind" (Michigan) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Meeting all students' needs is more than a conversation and Carol Tomlinson shows the way with this book. As a staff developer for the largest county in Michigan, I use many books and resources that I keep listed on storywind. This book is great for those new to Differentiated Instruction (DI) and are seeking both a basic understanding, what DI looks like, and strategies to begin.

I must include that if you want a deeper understanding of how DI fits into curriculum, pedagogy, what DI looks like for students and teachers, and strategies with examples--get the book, Fulfilling the Promise of Differentiation. I sue it when facilitating staff in professional learning groups. It's good for doing independent research for a department, grade level team, and school implementation.

How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed-Ability Classrooms is a quick read that you'll want to reread with a highlighter and pen. Carol Tomlinson is a great communicator and teacher. She provides in this book a beginning understanding of how DI is good for students, and varied ways that teachers can implement into curriculum. I especially recommend chapter two which makes the case of DI for struggling and advanced learners, and address the areas teachers teach: content, process, and product, and how students respond for successor failure: readiness, interest, and learning profile. The appendices contain strategies described in a page for each.

This book should be in every school's professional library. Its information is essential for getting a basic understanding of Differentiated Instruction and examples. Also consider Fulfilling the Promise of Differentiated Instruction.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well Worth the Purchase, March 15, 2006

By	P Rod "P Rod" (Colorado) - See all my reviews

This book is a great place to start for individuals who already have some teaching experience, have a general familiarity with differentiated learning, but need help with the scope and implementation. This is not for someone who wants linear how-to manual. This book begins with a rationale for differentiated learning and then provides a framework for understanding the process, content, and structure for setting up your classroom. There is plenty of practical advice and examples. If you already know that this is the direction you want to take, I highly recommend this purchase.