Bob Iseminger's Topics

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Workshop Descriptions

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Differentiated Instruction in Mixed Ability Classrooms

Participants will be introduced to the nuts and bolts of effective classroom differentiation. Teachers will be provided with an array of tools and strategies to assist in meeting the needs of a variety of learning levels in the same classroom. Clients may choose from the following menu to customize their differentiation needs.

Managing a differentiated environment
Activities to differentiate
RAFT assignments
Tiered assignments, discussions, and products
Think-Tac-Toes
Curricular Compacting
Teaching to conceptual themes
Specific subject area applications
Differentiation for the gifted

Specific Models Which Serve as Differentiation Tools

Several models serve as excellent tools for differentiating classroom instruction with specific goals in mind.

The Creative Problem Solving Model – Participants will gain knowledge of how to implement this model to focus on the creative thinking process as it applies to problem solving through the regular classroom curriculum.
Taba’s Critical Thinking Teaching Strategies – This is a discussion model that is structured to specifically teach students to think critically. Participants will gain knowledge in Taba’s questioning strategies and learn the format for implementing this model into daily lessons.
Renzulli’s School Enrichment Model – Participants will examine Renzulli’s enrichment triad, with the goal being to provide enrichment for students at all levels of readiness.

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Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences: Integrating into the Standard Curriculum

The theory of Multiple Intelligences is examined so that participants can investigate Gardner’s conceptual framework and design instructional strategies that will lead to the natural inclusion of these intelligences in their curriculum.

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Infusing Creativity into the Standard Curriculum

The four creative thinking skills (fluency, flexibility, elaboration, and originality) are examined to provide opportunities for the integration of creative thinking into prescribed classroom instruction. Teachers will examine how to foster and nurture a creative environment in a high-stakes testing world. Participants will leave with activities and strategies that can be used immediately upon return to the classroom to incorporate creativity into standard course of study lessons.

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Infusing Critical Thinking Skills into the Standard Curriculum

Critical thinking strategies will be explored to provide participants with activities and tools for incorporating higher level thinking into standard classroom curriculum. Teachers will leave with a toolbox of ideas and strategies that assist with integrating critical thinking into daily lesson plans. Taba’s Critical Thinking stages can be included in the workshop.

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Brain-Based Learning and Its Implication for Classroom Teachers

The recent advances in brain research have great implications for instruction in the classroom. This workshop will update educators on the nature of these fascinating studies so that teachers can make relevant and appropriate changes to classroom instruction. Specific techniques will assist teachers in helping students to retain the skills and concepts of the standard curriculum.

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