Differentiated Instruction GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Differentiated instruction provides a framework through which teachers are able to adjust their
curriculum and instruction to meet the strengths and weaknesses of students in the classroom.
1. Ongoing Assessment
GET TO KNOW YOUR STUDENTS!!
- Assess readiness: what is their current level of knowledge and skill? Teachers use assessments before,
- Interest: what topics, skills or activities inspire your student? during and after teaching a
- Learning profile: what is the students preferred method of learning? specific unit. This allows
teachers the opportunity to adjust
and make changes if necessary.
Differentiating instruction involves making changes to one or more of the three instructional elements:
Teachers can also use multiple
1. Content – the knowledge (E.G. providing a variety of materials)
different types of assessments to
2. Process – the activity (E.G. adjusting the length of time for student task completion)
differentiate instruction.
3. Skill – the method (E.G. offering different ways for student to demonstrate their knowledge – video,
written report
2. Flexible Grouping
*Note: the environment is sometimes included
Teachers are able to use variety
of grouping methods, whole,
IMPORTANT POINTS: small or peer assisted. This
- Communication with parents and students is key creates a dynamic environment
- Organize the classroom effectively (floor space, storages, wall space) whereby students are able to
- Establish rules and procedures (working in small groups or pairs, transitioning between work with classmates of similar
activities, managing time, turning in materials) interests and academic level.
-
Reflection: The reality of education today is that you will find students from different cultures, Some Challenges for Teachers
countries, languages, customs, academic ability and learning skills, all of which are placed
under an educational curriculum generalized to treat all students as though they are the same. I - Meeting the needs of
have learned as an educator, it is important to respond to variations in student readiness, students across:
interest, ability, skill level and learning profile. As teachers we have the power to really provide o Content area
lessons that will benefit students and there are many different ways to do so. Reaching students o Within content
through multiple different methods and means, along with thinking outside of the curriculum area
box, can prove to be very beneficial to student success. Differentiated instruction is a o Across the school
framework that can help address the strengths and weaknesses of academically diverse learners year
in our classroom and through these practices we will have the opportunity to work towards
1. student
Reflectsuccess.
on what you learned and how it pertains to your profession.