This activity-based workbook is an asset to everyone that reads it, as it states, “We are all teachers of something.” It is invaluable, in that it includes activities that can be used in multiple ways, whether that is to interactively teach, learn, or provide general information. Readers of this work will benefit, as they observe how students can be engaged in activity-based learning, and come to be aware of what thinking skills apply to each activity. Also, at the end of the workbook, there are personal stories from former special needs students, teachers or their parents. Most important about this writing is that of celebrating student differences. If one life lesson can be taken from this book, it is to realize that we are all enough, just as we are, and that we are capable of anything to which we set our minds. Teaching those ideas are two of the strengths of this book on differentiation of instruction.
— Lauren Spotkov, Third grade reading teacher, Gwendolyn Woolley Elementary School: North Las Vegas, NV
This workbook is an excellent resource for seasoned teachers as well as new educators! This is because of the “interactive” society we experience today. In recent years it seems the increase in students with special needs and different abilities has all concerned persons looking for ways to differentiate their instruction to reach learners. This workbook is an asset, due to the multitude of information about individual educational programs and intervention techniques. There are also ways to teach thinking, strategies for using an interactive method, activities provided to support the first two sections information, and then, sharing by teachers and/or parents about their own learning different ways or experiences with a diverse population of learners. This workbook is intuitive and inspiring for educators to assist them in their students reaching their full potential. Overall, this workbook is an invaluable interactive reference guide for educators everywhere!
— Clare King, 9-year NYCDOE, District 75 Special Education Teacher
Marjorie Schiering has written a must-read educational manual/workbook for being a most effective educator. She has provided real world examples and guides for implementation of differentiated instruction. This workbook is an excellent resource! As a professor of graduate students who teach in special education and Ell classes from preschool to high school, I have presented the ideas in this book. As a result, the teachers in my classes have created lessons that use interactive instructional resources for multi-sensory and high levels of student engagement. This book also provides a good deal of information about goal-setting to meet the needs of all students and assist them is developing their thinking skills.
— Angela Sullivan, Ed.D, adjunct professor at Mt. St. Vincent College in Riverdale, NY Former classroom teacher and instructional leader/administrator, Thiells, NY.
Dr. Schiering has written and compiled a workbook that enhances the curricula, has strategies for teaching thinking interactively, and assist educators in developing and using new activities for teaching all students. This is a hands-on workbook which educators will find invaluable in their daily lessons. The activities can and should be used to teach all children: those with special needs, and different abilities through use of different ways.
— Barbara Hayes, EdD, Molloy College, former dean of undergraduate education studies and present field supervisor
This workbook demonstrates how and why alternative thinking is necessary when experiencing different abilities of students. It viably addresses a wide variety of circumstances encountered in teaching students with different abilities. It reminds us of how traditional methodologies often times do not apply in special needs situations. Subsequently, applying differentiated instruction to meet the multi-variate needs of students must be explored until one is found. That is the essence of this author’s messages for teaching thinking and addressing students’ aptitudes.
— Andrew J. Smith, Ph.D., D.Sc., Retired adjunct professor at Mt. St. Mary College and secondary school teacher
As both an educator and parent of special needs children, I am well aware of how the world of special education can seem overwhelming. Achieving Differentiated Learning: Using the Interactive Method Workbook and its companion book Special Needs, Different Abilities: The Interactive method for Teaching and Learning, are vital tools for both educators and parents at all levels. They provide practical researched information, as well as that of veteran teachers. There are time-tested strategies and useful anecdotes to help teachers and parents navigate the often-confounding waters of special education, as well as different abilities students. For teachers, these offer first-rate techniques for making their classrooms most inclusive and welcoming for students of varied abilities. For parents, the anecdotes validate the struggles they go through to do what is best for their children and leaves them with this reminder: You are not alone. Truly, these books are an invaluable addition to any teacher or parent’s library.
— Timothy Ryley, MS, Adjunct Professor: English Department at Molloy College; Baldwin High School English teacher