Discussion Questions: Differentiation in the ABE Classroom: Pre-Teaching

• In the “Differentiation in the ABE Classroom: Teacher Interview: Pre-Teaching” video, adult education instructor Pat Marshall refers to graffiti boards. How many did she use? How did the graffiti boards prepare learners for the day’s lesson in the “Pre-Teaching” video? Have you ever used graffiti boards in a lesson? If so, what was the result?
• In the “Pre-Teaching” video, adult education instructor Pat Marshall uses butter wrappers, laundry detergent, and pizza as examples of fractions in everyday life. Did the video give you any new ideas? What real-life examples could you use to illustrate fractions to your learners?
• In the “Pre-Teaching” video, adult education instructor Pat Marshall directs learners to the next set of math skills they will be learning. Why do think she did this? Do you think it was helpful? Why or why not?
• In the “Differentiation in the ABE Classroom: Teacher Interview: Adapting Lessons” video, adult education instructor Pat Marshall discusses approaching a lesson by concept, followed by activities and worksheets designed to meet learners at various levels of ability. Have you ever tried this approach? What was your experience?
• The video “Differentiation in the ABE Classroom: Teacher Interview: Benefits of Differentiation” features adult education instructor Pat Marshall. Marshall stresses the importance of getting learners out of their seats and actively involved in the lesson. Specifically, she mentions the use of graffiti boards. What techniques have you used to actively engage your learners?