In the diverse landscape of today’s classrooms, we as teachers constantly strive to meet the varied needs of our students. By using differentiation strategies in the classroom, we can provide extra challenges for our advanced learners. These can be particularly useful if you have a mixed-ability class in which certain students always finish tasks first. These students often need opportunities to stretch their abilities and engage in deeper learning experiences.
Let’s look at some differentiation strategies and activities to challenge our advanced learners.
Strategies for Challenging Advanced Learners
1. Complexity of questions
Elevating the complexity of questions can significantly benefit advanced learners. Encourage higher-order thinking by asking questions that require analysis, evaluation and creation rather than just recall. This approach not only enhances critical thinking skills but also keeps advanced learners engaged and intellectually stimulated.
For example:
- Write an alternative ending for this story where the characters are rescued earlier. How would this affect or alter the characters’ development in the story?
- Think about what you just heard about the development of this community. How do you think gentrification affects communities differently?
- How do you think this image conveys the emotion of the photographer?
- Compare and contrast the two characters. How do their personalities affect their decisions?
2. Mini classes or stations
Implementing mini classes or learning stations can be an effective way to cater to different ability levels. This setup allows groups of students to work on tailored activities while you provide focused instruction to one group at a time.
By rotating these groups, you can ensure that each student, regardless of their ability, receives the right level of challenge and support. You can also regularly reorganise these groups to promote a dynamic learning environment.
3. Independent and creative work
Advanced learners often thrive when given the autonomy to explore subjects more deeply. Encourage them to identify their learning needs and set personalised tasks that align with their interests.
You could set independent projects or research to allow these students to dive into areas they’re passionate about. You could then get them to give a presentation. Tasks like these not only nurture our students’ research and analytical skills but also boost their confidence and engagement in the lesson.
4. Integrated skills tasks
Integrating tasks that challenge advanced learners’ mediation skills can be very effective. You could set tasks that require students to rephrase information at varying levels of complexity. This would not only develop their linguistic skills but also enhance their ability to communicate effectively across different contexts.
Activities for Challenging Advanced Learners
Debates or group discussions
Organise debates or group discussions on complex ideas related to your weekly topic. This encourages advanced learners to articulate their thoughts, defend their viewpoints and develop critical thinking and public speaking skills.
For example, if the topic is shopping, the debate could be: Should fast fashion retailers be allowed to continue operating while the planet faces a waste crisis?
Peer teaching
Invite advanced learners to prepare mini-lessons or tutorials for the other students in the class. This responsibility encourages a deeper understanding of the subject matter and develops leadership and teaching skills.
Problem-solving projects
Design projects that address real-world problems, encouraging students to apply their knowledge creatively and collaboratively to find solutions. A good example of this is a Dragon’s Den or Shark Tank-style product pitching activity.
Differentiation strategies in the classroom play a crucial role within a mixed-ability classroom. By implementing strategies that promote complexity, creativity, independence, and critical thinking, we can ensure that our advanced learners are not only engaged but are also continuously developing their skills.
Find more advice on making progress with advanced learners here.
