• Introduction
  One mindset that says it all Two types of differentiation Three relevant aspects of differentiation Four elements to create a powerful learning environment Five preconditions for good differentiation Six steps to create a differentiated lesson Digital in the classroom !
• Good Practices
• Exercises and reflection
• Library
• Links

Before you start, think about the relevant (learning) goals and about why and when you want to differentiate. In Education for Newcomers, two types of learning goals deserve priority:

• Linguistic learning goals, and
• Learning goals that facilitate integration in society and citizenship.

In order to achieve these goals, you can apply two types of differentiation, namely: divergent and convergent differentiation.

Divergent differentiation:

Divergent differentiation provides different learning goals for the students of one class. Some of them complete “basic level” assignments, whilst others can already do more difficult tasks. Every student goes his own way. At the end of a divergent differentiated course, the level between students can vary a lot.

Convergent differentiation:

Convergent differentiation is differentiation in function of the same (learning) goals for all the students. In other words: you have a very clear idea of where you want to get the whole group at the end of the course. The way that students follow towards this endpoint will be different, they will reach the same level, but you adapt the learning trajectory to the needs of every student. Some of them will need more support, others will learn to speak aloud while another group prefers to work in silence.

Convergent differentiation is preferable in the first phase of the education of newcomers. You want them to reach the level needed to be able to follow in regular courses.