In today’s educational landscape, one size definitely does not fit all. Differentiated instruction has become a cornerstone of effective teaching, ensuring that every student’s unique needs are met. At St. Benedictine High School, Matt Hamburg exemplifies this approach, bringing his passion for storytelling and teaching into the classroom. His innovative methods not only engage students but also help them achieve their full potential.
Background and Personal Motivation
Matt Hamburg is a storyteller at heart. “Plain and simple,” he says. “The only way I knew how to tell stories my whole life was to be a writer or a teacher. So, I am a teacher who writes…or a writer who teaches.” His journey into teaching began right out of high school when he worked as a summer camp counselor. This experience revealed his patience and knack for working with kids.
“I love the nuances of literature and how words can convey emotions, speak truths, espouse philosophy, dig into the spiritual and natural world, have hidden meanings, and all the other infinite details of reading and writing,” Matt shares. It was a natural progression for him to work with kids, who continue to make him laugh and amaze him every day. With 28 years of teaching experience in both public and private settings, in the city and suburbs, in Ohio and Georgia, Matt describes himself as a modern-day Don Quixote, always searching for more stories to tell and inspiration to find.
Evolution of Teaching Philosophy
When Matt started teaching, students were tracked into three categories: regular, college-prep, and honors. “You sort of knew what you were getting before the year started,” he recalls. However, around the year 2000, the trend shifted towards inclusion, bringing all students into one classroom. This change presented a new challenge: managing a classroom with students who had vastly different reading and writing skills.
“Coming out of college, you believe you are going in there to teach Shakespeare or Poe, teach some writing, maybe some grammar. The real test of a teacher is reaching all students, even the ones who are behind or despise school altogether,” Matt explains. This realization led him to adopt differentiated instruction. “It’s about relatability. Differentiating instruction is not just the work in a book or the results of a test, but it is learning about the students and what makes them tick.”
Defining Differentiated Instruction
In Matt’s own words, differentiated instruction is “an educational approach that designs preparation, instruction, and assessments to meet the needs, interests, and abilities of all students in a classroom.” This strategy acknowledges that students have varying backgrounds, readiness levels, and learning styles, aiming to provide each student with an appropriate and effective learning experience.
Key principles of differentiated instruction include:
- Understanding Individual Needs: Tailoring instruction to help all students achieve their full potential.
- Continuous Assessment: Monitoring student progress to inform instructional decisions.
- Challenging Tasks: Providing tasks that are challenging but not overwhelming.
- Flexible Classroom Environment: Accommodating various student needs.
- Equitable Access: Ensuring each learner has access to engaging, challenging, and effective education.
Differentiating in Practice
Differentiation in Matt’s classroom begins with a simple writing task. “I can learn about students personally and determine their readiness for the work that lies ahead that year,” he explains. He asks students to write a compound sentence, a sentence with an introductory clause, and a complex sentence. This task reveals a lot about his students: their punctuality, adherence to structure, willingness to share personal information, creativity, and grammatical skills.
Based on this initial assessment, Matt tailors his instruction. For instance, if a student struggles with sentence fragments but excels at creativity, he works individually with them on fragments while praising their creativity. If an entire class needs help with compound sentences, he addresses it collectively. As the year progresses, the tasks increase in rigor, ensuring that students are prepared for the next academic year. “Those advanced students are also able to reach higher and higher, not being stifled by a group of students still struggling with concepts they have mastered,” Matt adds.
Overcoming Challenges
Implementing differentiated instruction comes with its own set of challenges. One significant challenge is managing the diverse skill levels within a single classroom. Matt addresses this by giving personalized attention and using flexible teaching methods. “Sometimes, you reach them in August…and sometimes not until December,” he says, emphasizing the importance of patience and persistence.
Planning and preparation are also more demanding with differentiated instruction. Matt manages this by being efficient with his time and continuously adapting his plans based on student progress. Communicating the value of differentiated instruction to parents and administrators is another crucial aspect. Matt makes sure to explain how this approach benefits all students, helping them understand the importance of meeting each student’s unique needs.
Creating a Differentiated Classroom
A supportive classroom culture is essential for successful differentiated instruction. Matt fosters an environment where students feel valued and understood. “It’s about being responsive to the diverse learning profiles of students,” he explains.
Technology plays a significant role in Matt’s differentiated instruction practices. He uses various educational tools to support and enhance learning, making it easier to cater to different learning styles. Collaboration and peer learning are also encouraged, allowing students to learn from each other and support one another.
Sharing Expertise
For teachers new to differentiated instruction, Matt offers some valuable advice: “Start small. Focus on getting to know your students and their individual needs. Use continuous assessment to guide your instruction and be flexible in your approach.”
He also recommends seeking out professional development opportunities and resources to learn more about differentiation. “There’s always something new to learn,” he says. Looking ahead, Matt sees a future where differentiated instruction becomes even more integral to education, driven by advancements in technology and a deeper understanding of student needs.
Matt Hamburg’s journey as an educator is a testament to the power of differentiated instruction. His passion for teaching and storytelling, combined with his commitment to meeting the diverse needs of his students, has made a significant impact on their learning experiences. By embracing differentiated instruction, Matt ensures that every student has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.
As education continues to evolve, the principles and practices of differentiated instruction will remain crucial. Educators like Matt Hamburg are leading the way, showing us how to create inclusive, engaging, and effective learning environments for all students.
