Differentiating Instruction: Centers

I sat in on a seminar at the NCTE conference in Nashville. There were three presenters- one author and two teachers who were applying differentiation techniques. Here is a sample chapter from the book the author wrote. http://books.heinemann.com/shared/onlineresources/E00577/chapter4.pdf

I was really excited seeing models of how to create and implement centers with students. The presenters focused on using each center around a mulitple intelligence if possible, around standards, and around specific skills or concepts.

So I tried creating a center activity for my 10th grade ENG students. They needed a way to engage in the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" and a chance to review key themes and events from the novel. I found a website with several ideas for activities for the novel and adapted them into 8 centers. Now my instructions weren't the best on paper but the kids helped each other after I explained any confusion to two or three students. I required them to complete 5 out of 8 over two days. I also allowed extra credit for any centers completed beyond five.

Nearly all my students finished the centers... and more importantly I saw high marks on the exam for the novel as well. I took high order concepts from the centers and included them on the exam. (Because only 5 were required I took the questions from the centers that a majority of the students attempted.) These concepts were also discussed during the unit.

This year I am going to have my seniors read four or six different novels together in small groups. So while group 'a' is reading "Frankenstein" another group is reading "The Count of Monte Cristo" and so on. This way students are working in little reading clubs and supporting each other as they proceed forward. In both the NCTE seminar and the COMP training I got this summer any group work like this requires you create jobs or roles for group members to fulfill each day. Additionaly it is important to ensure that the groups rotate the roles and keep a log. I saw a teacher implement this concept, however, I didn't want to apply it as she had many failing groups. So why now? The seminar taught me how to make it work- it all boils down to a check system and mobility. I watched the instructor that tried this and she sat at her desk- she didn't join in any group at any time. Imagine joining each group for 3 minutes to keep them focused, on task, and check progress.

I found a website that has book club reading guides- I plan to print them out and ask one question to each group each day. Get them going on an angle that perhaps they would not have come up with on their own.

We want our students to enjoy reading- adults I know talk about what they read- they talk about the movies they watch. I truly believe that this can give our kids the opportunity to engage in reading in a meaningful way.

Another idea- is having the groups break out to discuss standards/concepts. A new group would form composed of one member from each group. So Group #1 would have one member from Groups A - E. Group #2 would have have one member from the Groups A - E. These groups could then discuss concepts such as: plot development, character development, artistic devices, and so on. The students would have already discussed these concepts about their book and would now be able to compare and contrast the concepts across the different books. Each student would be an expert on their one book and learn a little about the other novels. They will also become familiar with key concepts manifested in multiple ways.
EX: The students in Group #1 are discussing the protagonist vs. antagonist in each of their respective novels. They should share the characteristics of their respective characters and will become a teacher of the concept to their peers.

I know it sounds complex but I am bought on the concept. I am going to attempt this style of grouping andd trading off with a simple concept to start. The plan is to make my students experts in writing and will break them up into groups on the DWM. I think this would work for grammar concepts as well.

- any thoughts?