Using Differentiated Instruction in the Teaching Profession

Literature Circles is a formative assessment where students are able to use their critical thinking skills based on a book that is being read in class. Groups should be chosen based on ability level (include students who might be on the lower end to those on the higher end). The reasoning for this type of grouping is that the other members within the group can help each other (student collaboration). Literature Circles can differ from one teacher to another and from class to class. Unlike writing an essay, solving an equation, or playing an instrument, there is no specific document to follow. Teachers are able to create literature circles based on their students' learning abilities. Below is an example that I use for high school students in an English College Prep class. 

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I focused on using Bloom's Taxonomy (Bloom, 2001) as part of the learning objectives. Students are able to use their critical thinking skills to create open-ended questions based on the reading of the novel / short story / play. Literature Circles are meant to be student-based and not teacher centered. Students are able to collaborate with one another as they work on their individual parts yet help each other to understand the material within their groups.