Fair isn’t Always Equal: Chaper 1

In Chapter one of Fair isn’t Always Equal by Rick Wormelli  it explains how Differential Instruction is used in the classroom to assist those who need the extra help and those who need more challenges.  The problem with DI is the fact that many students might think that the differences between instruction isn’t fair, but as teachers we need to understand that “what is fair isn’t always equal, and our goal as teachers is to be fair and developmentally appropriate, not one-size-fits-all equal.”(pg 6)  We as teachers need to realize that “what we teach is irrelevant. It’s what our students learn after their time with us that matters.” (pg 8) By creating a sense of trust between you and the student, and having them know that you are trying to make their learning process easier for them you will be able to “breathe a little easier because the experiences students’ [have with] learning is a direct result of [your] decisions, and those students are learning at a level otherwise not achievable through non-differentiated practices.”(pg 8) This chapter was very insightful in the many ways that teachers can be differentiated in their instruction but also provide all students will the necessary content.  Just by walking around, talking with students through their problems, and even giving extra material when needed are all examples of DI.  Personally knowing how easy it will be to DI will make me want to analyze my students and provide them with instruction that is best for them as learners.