Using Rich Problems for Differentiated Instruction
Abstract
"Working in well-facilitated small groups on rich problems that are accessible puts students in the position of differentiating the content, processes, and product of their own work. When students are empowered to make natural choices as they work on rich problems together, there are almost always surprises for teachers and often for the students themselves. One of the most important surprises is who comes up with interesting ideas; it is not always who a teacher would have predicted. In this article we discuss what makes a problem rich enough to allow facilitation of this self-differentiated student work."