What is differentiated instruction?

Differentiated instruction is an approach that tailors teaching to meet individual needs within a diverse classroom. This method recognizes that students come from various backgrounds with differing abilities, interests, and learning styles. Instead of employing a uniform teaching strategy, differentiated instruction involves adapting content, process, and product based on the unique characteristics of each student. This personalized approach ensures that all learners have the opportunity to engage with the material at their own level and pace, ultimately promoting a more effective learning environment.

This focus on personalization is what sets it apart from one-size-fits-all methods, which fail to address the individual needs of students. Moreover, while assessment is an important component of the learning process, it is not synonymous with differentiated instruction. Lastly, differentiating instruction is not exclusive to advanced learners; it is a broadly applicable strategy that benefits all students, regardless of their current performance level.