SPED 2 Portfolio: DI in Arts and Drama

 

Differentiated instruction is defined by Tomlinson as differentiating the content, process, product, or environment in order to meet learners' individual needs. (2019) We differentiate in subjects like math and language arts readily, but do we consider differentiating in the arts? If we are using differentiated instruction in one subject and know it to be useful in meeting students' needs, why would we not apply it to subjects that are not as academic?  Clive Hulme notes that "Differentiation occurs when there is planned intervention by the teacher with the intention of maximizing the achievements of pupils based on their differing individual needs." (2019, p. 2) How can one intervene in arts and drama? 

Here are 5 ideas to consider for differentiated instruction in arts and drama:

1. Content- Arts and drama can be differentiated through the resources (the content) that is provided to support the learning objective. Content that is differentiated is represented in many ways and is appropriate to learners' readiness. What does this look like in art and drama?

In art, the teacher can use a variety of materials to illustrate a technique they are teaching, provide multiple examples, use words, and modeling. For instance, if a teacher is teaching about different elements of design, the teacher can use many materials to show lines.

In drama, resources for an activity may include video, audio, closed caption, subtitles, and breaking down of a scene into chunks to help learners access the content, and then modeling. 

2. Process- there activities students participate in to understand the task -exploring and practicing a new skill. In both art and drama, students can explore new skills through activities with varying degrees of complexity and support, have extra time, and utilize hands-on supports.

In art, this might look like a student with fine motor challenges using a whiteboard and whiteboard marker to play with elements of design rather than a pencil, which may be hard to grasp and doesn't move across the paper easily, and paper which may be more difficult to erase on. 

In drama, this could look like parts or scripts with fewer lines to support varying reading levels and levels of comfort performing.

3. Product-The things we ask students to do to show their learning can be differentiated to incorporate interests, allow for choice, and suitability for students. 

In art, the teacher could allow students to choose their subject for an art project that interests them and incorporate certain art techniques or have a choice in the materials they use. I'll use the example of elements of design using different lines, students can create a zentangle of something that interests them for instance. 

In drama, students may choose themes or scripts that they enjoy or be encouraged to work their interests into a drama assignment. Students may have to portray certain emotions in a tableau but can create a scene or setting using their own interests. For instance, creating a tableau that showcases the emotion of disappointment might be set at a hockey game. 

4. Environment- The space can have a huge impact on learners! Designing learning spaces for arts and drama that accommodate a variety of learners' needs can be tricky but can be really helpful.

In art, teachers can create a flexible workspace by providing clipboards so students can work where they are comfortable. Of course, this may be impacted by the art projects and materials available. 

In drama, spaces for students to practice that have fewer viewers may allow shy students to feel more comfortable. Handing students a timer and allowing the use of other spaces around the school if the classroom cannot accommodate this, can be an ideal solution.

Suggestions are always welcome! What are some ways you have differentiated art or drama in your class?

References:

Hulme, C. (2019). Differentiation in Drama: A Guide for Teachers. Arts on the Move. https://www.artsonthemove.co.uk/e_shop/resources/differentiation-in-drama.

Tomlinson, C. A. (2019, September 25). What Is Differentiated Instruction? https://www.readingrockets.org/article/what-differentiated-instruction.