Purpose

•  To learn about the characteristics of different teaching styles

•  To complete a self assessment identifying your own teaching style

•  To develop a reflection on what these findings say about your approach to differentiating instruction in the classroom.

Activity

The purpose of this exercise is to introduce or reacquaint you with characteristics of different styles of teaching.  Read the excerpt provided in your learning materials packet and reflect on where you fit into this style matrix.  Look at Appendix A attached to the document and take a few minutes to fill it our from the perspective of how you see yourself as a classroom teacher.  Calculate the results and compare the analysis with your own perceptions of your style.  Think about how this self analysis prepares you to manage a differentiated classroom.  What are the apparent supporting elements?  What are some of the blocking elements?  Use these reflective insights in the discussion with your team members.

Materials:  Resource Packet

•  Chapter 3, "Experiences of Teaching," Honoring Diverse Teaching Styles by Edward Pajak

•  "Appendix A" from Pajak

Products

•  Completed copy of Appendix A

•  Reflection on the results of Appendix A and your thoughts about the impact of the findings on your ability to differentiate in the classroom.