Differentiation models part 2 - Handa

The second part of the review. Though I am still sorting out how this will actually look in the classroom, I am thinking that Handa's model has much to offer all students. Starting from a core set of outcomes, products and learning, extension can then be added on. Most teachers would already be doing something similar for struggling or students with learning difficulties, so it is really adding to spectrum of learning rather a whole separate thing. Anyway, the course has been incredibly interesting and will certainly be leading a change in my teaching practice this year. Apologies for the readability of the reference list. I will figure that out one day.

Handa’s Learner-Centred Differentiation Model

Manoj Chandra Handa was a New South Wales English teacher when he developed the Learner-Centred Differentiation Model (Bannister-Tyrrell, Merrotsy, Jones, & Gunn, 2016). Based on research of the efficacy of a number of other models, with a particularly close relationship to the work of June Maker, and drawing together the work of many theorists, Handa has created a model designed for Australian schools in particular. He has built on Maker’s four elements of differentiation with the addition of the outcomes element.

Handa begins with highlighting the need for a paradigm shift in education both in and out of the classroom. The teacher becomes the “scaffolder of learning” (Handa, 2009) facilitating the progression from learner to “autonomous thinker”. He focusses on the idea that the first question that needs to be asked is: “How will students learn this?”

This increased focus on outcomes is an advantageous one, fitting in with the Australian Curriculum. The Australian Curriculum and Reporting Authority (ACARA) sets the standards that all students must reach at year level up to year ten (ACARA, 2016). This highlights the importance of front ended assessment tasks; the focus of the assessment outcomes then dictate the learning within a particular unit. The core components are considered first, considering the why, what and hows of the unit, then complexity and extension built onto this scaffold (Handa, 2009). There is then a focus on productive rather than reproductive thinking which shows and allows creativity.

The core focus of the Learner-centred Differentiation Model is the development of thinking processes. Rather than a focus on taught content, the student is encouraged to consider concepts which can then be filled with relevant content as required (Handa, 2009). Conceptual thinking leads to a deeper understanding of information, which in turn leads to the ability to evaluate, transfer learning, and creatively solve problems. Handa argues that critical thinking about concepts is “analysing, evaluating and being creative progressively”. This focus does not necessarily only address the needs of gifted students. It can be applied to a mixed ability classroom with equal, if not greater, success.

Rather than artificially compressing the curriculum, the Learner-centred Differentiation Model, encourages the use of cognitive technologies. The whole to part manner of learning “concepts, issues and generalisations first, then facts and topics” (Handa, 2009), is aided through the thoughtful use of technology as a research and teaching tool. Tools such as virtual classrooms, allow students to explore at their own pace. Discovery learning leads to students acquiring knowledge unique to themselves. Killen (2013) highlights that learners learn better when solving problems, with the preference being for there to be a real need to solve the problem. Unlike the perception of student lead or research based exploration held by some educators, that sees the student flounder in the shallows of learning (Di Biase, 2018), Handa emphasises the importance of scaffolding systems and purpose. At the same time, the ability to move more quickly through the core curricula, allows more time for thinking and analysis. This model, seen more as guidelines than prescriptive rules encompasses the ability to allow all to participate, the nature of student enquiry providing natural differentiation.

This development of a cognitive and conceptual approach to learning leads to the opportunity to demonstrate learning through a wide range of products. These products may be both formative and cumulative in nature, and should aim to push students out of their comfort zones in order to challenge them so take risks (Handa, 2009). Marking criteria should be deeply understood by student or, even better, developed by them and the product should “convey a genuine application of synthesis and analysis”. That learning should have some connection to the real world should be a given, particularly for middle years learners (Bahr, 2005). With this emphasis on problem solving leading to a variety of products being produced, the Learner-centred Differentiation Model is accessible by all students.

As stated earlier, Handa’s model is built upon the base of the work done by June Maker over many years (Bannister-Tyrrell, Merrotsy, Jones, & Gunn, 2016). Combined with Maker’s Problem Solving Continuum (Rogowski, 2012), there is the opportunity for teachers to differentiate readily in the mixed ability classroom, providing individualised learning for all. That Handa has addressed the principles outlined by Maker is outlined in his model’s structure. There are modifications in the areas of content, process, product and the learning environment. That there is the addition of outcomes adds to the model’s ability to be readily implemented into an existing curriculum system.

While Handa speaks of the importance of leadership within education, it is not necessarily in traditional school leadership roles. Rather there is a focus on the classroom teacher who is effective in the classroom and influences others throughout the school (Handa, 2009)(Handa, 2013). The focus is on networks rather than hierarchies. This is part of the thinking that has the potential to lead change from within, rather than waiting for departmental directive. The effect of this is the empowerment of individual, or small groups of teachers. While there is still a need for support or at least to be unshackled by the traditional school leadership, there is much a teacher can do within their own classroom. This requires teachers to be prepared to take a chance, stepping outside their comfort zone, in order to drive measurable change that can then lead broader uptake within the school community.

The Learner-centred Differentiation Model is a flexible model that could be adapted across a whole school district or simply aspects into an individual classroom. This aspect potentially offers solutions that other models are unable to due to more complex, whole school, requirements. There is the scope for individual teachers to become leaders within their schools, demonstrating how these processes can be used to deliver differentiation across the whole class.

Final Thoughts

There is a real need within schools to deliver individualised teaching for all ability levels. Masters (2019) identifies that education needs to be in line with 21^st century needs and the importance of flexible methods of learning and teaching. Many of the models focused on developing the gifted and talented student hold both of these points as vital foundations of their structure. In the end, it is up to the individual teachers, faculties, schools and regions to identify their own needs and the model that will work best in their individual context (Karnes & Bean, 2008). Both Renzulli and Handa have developed models that are proven to work in the real world, though are only two of many models and means of addressing the needs of students in the education setting. This is an area that needs continual development for both students and society at large.

References

Australian Curriculum and Reporting Authority (ACARA). Gifted and Talented Students. Retrieved from: https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/resources/student-diversity/gifted-and-talented-students

Di Biase, R. (2018). Moving beyond the teacher-centred/learner-centred dichotomy: Implementing a structured model of active learning in the Maldives. Compare, 1-19.

Handa, Manoj Chandra. (2009). Learner-centred Differentiation Model: A New Framework. Australasian Journal of Gifted Education, 18(2), 55-66.

Handa, Manoj Chandra. (2013). Leading differentiated high-performance learning. Australian Educational Leader, 35(3), 22-26.

Jericho, A. (n.d.). Inquiry into the Education of Gifted and Talented Children. Board for Lutheran Schools.

Karnes, F. A., & Bean, S. M. (2008). Methods and materials for teaching the gifted. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.une.edu.au

Masters, G. (2019). Big Five Challenges in School Education. https://www.teachermagazine.com.au/columnists/geoff-masters/big-five-challenges-in-school-education. Accessed on 26th January 2019.

Bannister-Tyrrell, M., Merrotsy, P., Jones, M., & Gunn, I. (2016). Education for the Gifted and Talented – Topic 5: Differentiation. Armidale, Australia: University of New England. Retrieved from http://www.une.edu.au

Rei, S., & Renzulli, J. (1989). The Secondary Triad Model. Journal for the Education of the Gifted, 13(1), 55-77.

Renzulli, Joseph S., & Renzulli, Sally Reis. (2010). The Schoolwide Enrichment Model: A Focus on Student Strengths and Interests. Gifted Education International, 26, 140-3), p.140-157.