Jennifer Lam

United States. (2009). Student achievement: Schools use multiple strategies to help
students meet academic standards, especially schools with higher proportions of low-
income and minority students : report to congressional committees. Washington, D.C.:
U.S. Govt. Accountability Office.

WHAT?
Many schools, teachers, and researchers are trying to determine the most
effective instructional practices to improve student achievement. (p. 1)
o School/district improvements
o Aligning curriculum with standards
o Restructuring school day
o Professional development for teachers
o Classroom teaching practices (homework or teaching methods)
Some of the practices identified by both the studies and a few experts as
those with potential for improving student achievement were:
o Differentiated Instruction- Teaching practices and plans are adjusted
to accommodate each students skill level for the task at hand. It
requires teachers to be flexible in their teaching approach by
adjusting the curriculum and presentation of information for students.
o Interactive Instruction- listening and guiding students, asking
questions with more than one correct answer, and giving students
choices during learning. Giving students more guidance and less
direction helps students become critical and independent thinkers,
learn how to work independently, and assess several potential
solutions.
o Promote Effective Discourse- To help students achieve understanding,
it is necessary to have effective classroom discussion in which
students test and revise their ideas, and elaborate on and clarify their
thinking.
Multiple choice tests do not encourage more challenging teaching practices.
(p. 36)
Teachers may be influenced to change their teaching approaches because of
the tests. (p. 36)

SO WHAT?
Throughout my years at UNT, I have learned a great deal about
accommodating instruction for my students. Accommodation includes scaffolding,
differentiation, modeling, and other techniques. This article just reinforces my
beliefs of the importance of accommodation in the classroom. We, as teachers, need
to help our students achieve to the best of their ability. Accommodating instruction
will help the students do their best.





Jennifer Lam


NOW WHAT?
As an educator, I will do my absolute best to modify my lessons for my
students. I will modify the lessons to accommodate their learning styles, cultures,
and prior experiences. In addition to differentiating instruction, I will need to
present my lessons interactively. This means listening to my students, guiding their
discussion and learning, and giving them choices. When students have choices, they
will be more likely to be excited and try harder. Initiating class discussion is a great
skill to have as an educator. Students often learn from each other and by getting a
discussion going on in the classroom, students will be able to gain others
perspectives and insight.