What is differentiated instruction?

Differentiated instruction is an approach that tailors teaching methods and resources to meet the diverse needs of students. This instructional strategy recognizes that students have varying backgrounds, readiness levels, interests, and learning profiles. By differentiating instruction, educators can provide multiple avenues for students to engage with the material, ensuring that each learner can access the curriculum in a way that suits them best. This might include adapting content, process, or products based on individual student needs, allowing for flexible groupings, and employing diverse instructional strategies.

The focus of differentiated instruction is on enhancing student engagement and facilitating better learning outcomes by addressing the unique strengths and challenges of each student rather than applying a one-size-fits-all methodology. It embraces the idea that effective teaching must be responsive to the differences among learners in the classroom.