When we create tasks designed to meet the needs of our most obviously talented students, we make it possible for other students to rise up as well. This, except using basketball as a metaphor.
All AboutComplexity Vs Skill
When a task's complexity doesn't correctly match a student's skill, we end up with boredom or frustration. Often, for gifted students, a successfully differentiated task will simply increase complexity until it begins to challenge a kid's skill.
7 Ways To Add Complexity
Adjusting a task’s complexity to match a student’s skill is key to success in the classroom, but how can you change the level of complexity?
Small Groups Aren’t Just For Struggling Students
Small groups can both add and reduce complexity to a task. I know that I always let my advanced students just “work on their own.” But think about the power of bringing your five top kids together (even for ten minutes a week) and pushing them a little.
Bad Behavior or Lack of Complexity?
Differentiation means being aware of both a student’s skill and the complexity of a task. And it’s easier to adjust a task in the short term than to change a student’s skill.
Complexity Is A Good Thing
Differentiation is all about balancing the complexity of a task with the skill of the learner.
Is a Task Boring, Relaxing, Challenging, or Stressful?
Too easy for your skills and the task is boring. Too much of a challenge, and it becomes stressful. Medium challenge, high skill? It’s a relaxing task. But when we match high skill and high challenge, we can activate “flow.”
To Show Or Not To Show Work In Math
We must be careful not to admonish our intuitive learners for being intuitive. As teachers of the gifted, we must set up learning environments that are best for our students. And if they’re doing it all in their heads (and getting it right!), then the environment needs to change.