On Numerade we’re passionate about providing all students with an equal opportunity to learn and succeed in STEM. However, not all students learn in the same way and this is something that we’ve understood from the beginning. In this blog post, we’ll explore what differentiated instruction is, why it’s important, and some of our favorite ways to implement it in the classroom.
What is Differentiated Instruction?
Differentiated instruction is an approach to teaching that involves tailoring instruction to meet the individual needs of each student. Similar to personalized learning, it’s based on the idea that individual student abilities and interests dictate their learning styles.
Implementing Differentiated Instruction in the Classroom
Implementing differentiated instruction in the classroom requires careful planning and consideration. Here are some tips on how to get started:
Assess Student Needs
The first step in implementing differentiated instruction is to assess the needs of each student. You can do this through formal assessments, such as standardized tests, or informal assessments, such as teacher observations. Following this, you should have a clear understanding of each student’s needs and you can begin meeting their individual needs.
Provide Multiple Avenues for Learning
This relates to the methods used by educators to encourage and nurture student learning. Could be visual aids such as videos and slides, hands-on classroom activities, homework, etc. By providing different these different options and recording your observations you can begin noticing which students are benefitting from specific learning avenues.
Utilize Technology
There’s an immense number of sites, apps, and other digital resources available to assist motivated students. On Numerade we have a wide variety of helpful study tools that can not only meet students where they are but, adapt to their needs and evolve alongside their learning journey. A great place to start is our free Quizzes feature where students can generate practice quizzes tailored to their needs based on length, difficulty, and time limit.
Emphasize Student Choice
Giving students choices is a key component of differentiated instruction. By allowing students to choose how they learn and demonstrate their understanding, you can help them take ownership of their learning and increase their engagement in the classroom.
The Wrap-Up
Differentiated instruction is an essential approach to teaching that allows teachers to meet the needs of all students. By tailoring instruction to meet individual needs, providing multiple avenues for learning, utilizing technology, and emphasizing student choice, teachers can create a more inclusive classroom environment that supports the success of all students.
