(link to website: Cubing)
Resource Purpose: This resource offers a strategy for implementing differentiation in the classroom. Cubing involves making boxes with different words, ideas, concepts, etc. that students are required to deeply understand on each side. Every student in the classroom can have different words on their boxes to meet their specific needs. One way the cube could be used is to at first have students write definitions for three of the squares they roll to, comparing or contrasting them, or connecting them. The website also has menus for other differentiation strategies, instructional strategies, curriculum ladders, lesson plans, and reading skills for big kids.
Relevance: My current CSL placement is with intermediate level English classes where new and complex terminology is constantly being introduced. I think Cubing could be a wonderful tool to help my (future) learners fully understand the meanings and uses in context.
Reliability: In fine print, the author writes, “This website was developed by a teacher, intended to provide resources for other teachers. Opinions and information included are not intended to represent any district, state, agency, or organization.” Therefore, I believe the intention of the site is not to imply truths, but to allow experienced and well-trained educators to make up their own minds whether the resources provided are useful.
Limitations: The website provides basic introductory information about various teaching strategies, and needs additional resources and information. Catering to my preferred learning style, I would go to YouTube for what I deem to be reliable and useful supplementary details about the strategies; preferably with real-life classroom implementation examples.
Additional Resource: Here is a link to a video introducing cubing and demonstrating its use in an actual classroom setting. (link: Cubing Video)
