What does differentiated instruction involve?

Differentiated instruction involves tailoring teaching methods and resources to accommodate the diverse needs of learners in a classroom. This approach recognizes that students have varying backgrounds, learning styles, abilities, and interests. By providing customized instruction, educators can support each student's unique learning journey, enabling them to grasp concepts at their own pace and in ways that resonate with them.

This method may include modifying content, adjusting the learning environment, or offering various ways for students to demonstrate their understanding. For instance, a teacher might provide different reading materials for students at varying reading levels or use a range of instructional strategies to meet the needs of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners.

In contrast, simply employing a one-size-fits-all approach would not address the individual differences among students, nor would relying exclusively on group instruction account for varying skill levels within those groups. Additionally, delaying intervention until standardized testing would mean missing crucial opportunities to support students who may need additional help throughout the learning process, rather than waiting for predetermined assessment times.