Differentiation of ProductThis is the major component of differentiation: the mind-set. Everything else is craft. According to John McCarthy (and teachers everywhere!), product differentiation is the most common form of differentiation. In it, teachers give choices where students pick from formats and or students propose their own designs.
"Products may range in complexity to align to a respectful level for each student. The key to product options is having clear academic criteria that students understand. When products are cleanly aligned to learning targets, student voice and choice flourish, while ensuring that significant content is addressed." |
As educators we can vary our products in several ways; the complexity of the task, the type of product, or allowing students to choose their products. Essential to this process is a clear understanding and ability to communicate the main concepts and ideas that need to be assessed along with the ability to clearly define these concepts in a rubric. To help you through this process we've linked several documents from Mary Ann Carr's useful toolkit, Differentiation Made Simple.
Begin by answering the four key questions at the top of the Product handout below. Consider if you will be differentiating the product for one, for many or for all of your students... and then let those creative, adaptive juices start flowing. Click on the example link at the bottom of the page to see how some of your colleagues are differentiating in their classrooms.
Begin by answering the four key questions at the top of the Product handout below. Consider if you will be differentiating the product for one, for many or for all of your students... and then let those creative, adaptive juices start flowing. Click on the example link at the bottom of the page to see how some of your colleagues are differentiating in their classrooms.