What is differentiated instruction?

Since not all students are alike, differentiated instruction allows for teachers to be flexible, for students to have multiple options for taking in information and making sense of ideas at their own academic level.

“To differentiate instruction is to recognize students varying background knowledge, readiness, language, preferences in learning, interests, and to react responsively. Differentiated instruction is a process to approach teaching and learning for students of differing abilities in the same class. The intent of differentiating instruction is to maximize each student’s growth and individual success by meeting each student where he or she is, and assisting in the learning process.” By Tracey Hall, Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist, NCAC

Why is differentiated instruction necessary?

Every individual learns differently or in other words, has a “best” way to learn. An individual may be a stronger visual, auditory or kinesthetic learner. He or she may prefer math or language. He may have an intrinsic or extrinsic personality. When taking “who” the child is into consideration, we optimize a child’s opportunity to learn and connect to his learning at a deeper level. Hence, in order to see maximum growth in all learners of various backgrounds and abilities, the curriculum must be differentiated.

How is differentiated instruction implemented?

To “differentiate the curriculum” teachers focus on the individual student in relation to his learning goal and objectives. Teachers adapt the objectives to meet the child’s learning goal versus having the child fit into one teaching style, which may be too slow, too fast, or redundant for the child. For differentiated instruction to be successful teachers focus on adjusting the content, process and/or the child’s ending product. Any or all of these areas can be “made different” to fulfill the academic objectives of each child’s individual learning needs.