The Importance of Differentiated Instruction in Education

Written by Margaret Nelson

What Is Differentiated Instruction?

One of the biggest challenges for teachers is to meet the needs of their diverse students. Educators often have to teach students with various preferred learning styles, learning disabilities, English proficiencies, and background knowledge. As a result of this diversity, experts have proposed a form of teaching called differentiated instruction.

What is differentiated instruction, exactly? Differentiated instruction is a teaching method where the teacher presents the lesson in multiple ways to ensure that every student can learn the material. As experts conduct more research about child development, psychology, and education, it is becoming clear that the traditional lecture style is not always the best way for students to learn. To effectively teach students, teachers must be willing to learn more about the needs of their students and be flexible in how they present their lessons. Because students are receiving individualized instruction, they have experienced more success in the classroom. As a result, differentiated instruction is becoming increasingly popular among educators, researchers, and students alike.

The History of Differentiated Instruction

Even though it was popular in the era of one-room schoolhouses, differentiated instruction only started to gain widespread popularity in 1975, after the government passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This law allowed students with disabilities to receive an appropriate public education. For the first time, teachers had to find a way to teach students of all abilities. This method became even more popular after the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (often referred to as No Child Left Behind) was passed in 2000. It continues to evolve today as more research is completed and new technology is made available.

Researcher Carol Ann Tomlinson is considered a leader in differentiated instruction. According to Tomlinson, the most critical part of this teaching method is that teachers need to consider students' learning styles, abilities, and existing knowledge before creating lesson plans. With this knowledge, teachers can present the lesson in ways that will benefit the students. There are four main areas where students can be differentiated: background knowledge of the subject, preferred learning styles, methods to demonstrate mastery, and preferred learning environment.

Differentiated Instruction Strategies

What does differentiated instruction look like in the classroom? It can be challenging for someone unfamiliar with this teaching method to see how it should look in practice in the classroom.

Fortunately, there are a variety of differentiated instruction strategies, and teachers can implement as much or as little as they want, depending on the amount of time and resources they have available. Teachers can also increase differentiation as they and their students become more comfortable with the process.

One potential drawback is that differentiated instruction often takes more time to prepare, especially when compared to more traditional teaching methods. However, this time commitment will decrease as students and teachers become more familiar with the process.

Differentiated Instruction for Math and Science

Differentiated instruction can be used with every subject, though its effectiveness varies depending on the age of the students. Students complete the same amount of work, just in different formats and at various difficulty levels, no matter what strategy is used.

For math, differentiated instruction strategies include the following:

• Allow the students to choose a learning activity from a list. They could play a math game, watch a video or demonstration, use a textbook, or complete a worksheet.
• Have the student write out the steps of how they found the solution after completing a lesson.
• Have manipulatives (physical tools) available to demonstrate concepts for visual learners.

For science, differentiated instruction might include the following:

• Have the teacher or knowledgeable peers answer questions from the rest of the class.
• Provide content in different formats, such as videos, worksheets, experiments, and projects.
• Set up an activity center based on the lesson. This center could include books, projects, or worksheets.

Strategies for Reading and Writing

In addition to math and science, there are a variety of differentiated instruction strategies for reading and writing. These strategies include the following:

• Have students choose books based on interest or reading level.
• Supplement the lesson with visual aids, study guides, names and descriptions of main characters, diagrams, and charts.
• Allow students to act out a scene from the book. Doing so can help kinesthetic learners to engage with the book.
• Listen to an audiobook or read a book aloud
• Group students based on ability but maintain flexibility. For example, a student might read above grade level, but they might write at or below grade level. To accommodate these different proficiencies, have them be in two different groups, one for reading and one for writing.
• Hold periodic writing conferences. Doing so would allow the teacher to guide students through the writing process and answer any questions.
• Use printed graphic organizers to help the students organize their writing.
• Give students flexibility with writing topics. Doing so will likely increase engagement and passion, leading to improved performance.

Differentiated Instruction in ELL Classrooms

English Language Learners (ELLs) are students learning English as non-native speakers. As of Fall 2018, approximately 10 percent of public school students were ELLs, and this number is expected to increase in the coming years.

Because of the prevalence of ELLs in classrooms, educators need to find effective ways to teach these students. Fortunately, differentiated instruction also works well for them because teachers can offer a variety of activities based on English fluency. Having examples of differentiated instruction for ELLs can help educators find effective strategies for their classrooms. Here are just a few:

• Offer activities with language that matches the English proficiency of the student. Having a variety of books, videos, and worksheets can allow students to choose the ones that fit the best with their abilities.
• Give instruction in several formats, such as books, videos with closed captions, worksheets, and projects. These options will cater to their learning styles, and they will help them practice reading, writing, and listening in English.
• Provide opportunities to use English as much as possible, such as through group work. If possible, have the ELLs work and practice their English together. If such an arrangement is not possible, teachers should group them with students who match their abilities.
• Consider having the ELLs work in pairs with more experienced classmates. The ELLs can get more practice with their English, and their partners can solidify their knowledge by helping their peers. For this arrangement to be successful, their partners should be patient and empathetic to foster a safe learning environment.

Learning Disabilities and Differentiated Instruction

Learning disabilities are conditions that affect the way the brain learns. According to the Learning Disabilities Association of America, almost 5 percent of all public school students have a specific learning disability, so educators need to find strategies to reach them.

Because of the nature of learning disabilities, these students can thrive with differentiated instruction. For example, many students with ADHD have difficulty focusing on one activity for a long time. With differentiated instruction, these students can have the flexibility to learn in ways suited to them. Examples of strategies include the following:

• Have shorter activities available. For students with ADHD, concentrating on one task for a long time can be difficult. For them, it might be easier to complete 3-4 shorter activities instead of 1-2 larger ones.
• Allow students to choose approved activities based on interest. For many students, it is easier to concentrate on an activity they are interested in.
• Offer multisensory activities. For students with Dyslexia or Dyscalculia, using manipulatives can help illustrate math or reading-related concepts.
• Provide explicit, step-by-step instructions. If necessary, provide a written instruction sheet as well. Having clear instructions makes it easier for them to complete their work.
• Make assistive technology available to students. Students might need aids such as text-to-speech software and voice recorders. These can help students to retain information and meaningfully engage with it.

Differentiated Instruction and Technology

In recent years, the education system has shifted towards online classrooms. Factors like the Covid-19 pandemic have only hastened this shift. Despite the differences between online and in-person classes, it is easy to adapt differentiated instruction to the virtual classroom, and there are a variety of tools available to make the process easier. For example:

• Set up multiple discussions based on mastery level. For example, if some students have mastered a topic, they can answer complex questions. For students who have not mastered the topic, they can answer simple questions.
• Facilitate group work by having students use video calls or online cloud-based software that enable group work in real-time. Students can still be grouped by how well they understand the material, but they can do all of the work online.
• Provide the lessons in a variety of formats, such as prerecorded video lectures, eBooks, audiobooks, educational websites, and online activities. With these online tools, students can still learn in meaningful ways.

Benefits of Differentiated Instruction for Students

As an educator, it can be overwhelming to implement a new teaching method, and it is tempting to think that the benefits of differentiated instruction are minimal compared to the time and effort needed to implement it.

This belief could not be further from the truth, though. This method has been well researched, and it can provide benefits for every student, regardless of their background. It allows educators to meet students where they are instead of forcing them to learn in the same ways.

Even though it can seem overwhelming and confusing to implement at first, educators should know that they can implement this method as much or as little as they want, based on their available time and resources. The benefits will vary based on the strategies used, but they can all increase classroom engagement, increasing the chances of student success.

A Student-Centered Approach

One benefit is that differentiated instruction allows education to be student-centered. In a student-centered approach, the student receives a flexible, personalized education that responds to their changing needs.

A student-centered approach has several benefits. For example, students can pursue activities that are meaningful to them. By having a choice, they're more likely to take responsibility for their education, which increases their performance. In addition, it can help students feel seen and understood since they can learn in ways that make sense to them. In turn, this can help students feel like their needs are being honored and that there's a place for them in the classroom. This helps improve confidence in their abilities, overall well-being, and engagement within the classroom. If a student feels like they belong, they will be more enthusiastic about going to school, which helps to decrease absences and the possibility of dropping out.

Acknowledgment of Various Learning Styles

In general, there are three primary learning styles: Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic. Here is a brief explanation of these styles:

• Visual learners need to see the material to understand it. Having study guides, textbooks, and notes on a whiteboard are all effective learning approaches for them.
• Auditory learners need to hear the material to understand it. They can benefit from lectures, discussions, and reading out loud.
• Kinesthetic learners need to move to learn. They often benefit from projects and experiments.

Students often have different learning needs. If educators center their activities around one learning style, then they run the risk of excluding students in the other two groups. With differentiated instruction, all students can complete activities that fulfill their learning needs and the lesson objectives. By doing so, teachers acknowledge that there is more than one way to learn, and the classroom becomes a more inclusive place.

Encouraging Initiative and Interest

In traditional classrooms, it's easy for students to become bored and disinterested in their education, especially if there's no passion or interest in the topic and there's an overemphasis on performance outcomes. One benefit of differentiated instruction is that it encourages students to show initiative and pursue their interests, which increases the chances of success.

By allowing students to learn in various ways, educators can emphasize the importance of the learning process instead of simply performing well on a test. It also gives students space to discover more about themselves and their learning styles. This experimentation allows them to discover how they best learn, and they can apply that learning style to their other subjects.

When students are passionate about their schoolwork, they become more excited about it, and they're more likely to put forth their best work. In the end, this excitement makes the learning process more enjoyable and productive.

A More Inclusive Classroom

Many times, traditional classrooms teach to the average-performing student. While this can make things easier for the teacher, it can unintentionally exclude students who have different needs, such as ELLs, students with disabilities, students who need extra enrichment, and students who are considered gifted. By providing differentiated instruction, teachers can ensure that everyone can get their needs met, regardless of their background. This method can benefit students in the following ways:

• Students minimize their time outside of class for things like Special Education services, ESL services, and Gifted and Talented services and remain in the classroom as long as possible. In doing so, educators send the message that all students are welcome in their classrooms.
• ELLs can engage with the lessons, regardless of their English proficiencies.
• Students with disabilities can learn according to their strengths.
• Students who are gifted can engage with the material at a high level.

By providing this flexibility, every student can have their needs met regardless of their background. By meeting their education needs now, these students can be successful in the future.

Benefits of Differentiated Instruction for Teachers

While differentiated instruction can benefit students, it also provides many benefits for teachers. For them, the benefits can include things like improved behavior in the classroom, a better learning environment, and an opportunity for all students to learn and grow. As a result, it can help teachers improve and learn how to connect with every student, regardless of their background.

However, some teachers might not appreciate the idea of differentiated instruction because of the time it requires. Many are stressed. They have to do a lot with few resources, and it seems like there's always a new best practice to implement. Because of these factors, this method might not be feasible for everyone. It might be a lot of work, but the benefits often outweigh the costs.

Improved Classroom Behavior

Differentiated instruction can also help to manage classroom behavior issues. In traditional classrooms, students often act out due to boredom, disinterest, or feelings of isolation. If students complete their work quickly and easily, they could act out due to boredom, which can cause other students to act out as well. Other students might become defiant and refuse to do work that they find boring or confusing, especially if they don't have the right support in place. And if a student feels like their needs aren't being met, they can become disengaged, which can fuel behavior problems.

Differentiated instruction allows students to have a say in the work they complete, choose assignments that are at their level, and complete work that complements their learning styles. This creates a less challenging and frustrating process because their needs are being met. They're also more likely to see the importance and relevance of their schoolwork. As a result, they're more likely to complete their work and avoid misbehavior, which improves the behavior of the other students and the classroom environment.

A Positive Learning Environment

Because traditional classrooms emphasize a single type of learner, conformity is often expected among students. Instead of the class catering to the students' needs, the students must conform to the requirements of the class. As a result, students often feel like they either have to hide parts of who they are or risk getting shamed or judged.

Differentiated instruction, however, focuses on meeting the needs of every student. Because of this nature, this method places a greater emphasis on celebrating differences. It considers all learning methods equal instead of valuing one above all others.

By extension, teachers can easily celebrate every student's achievement, which creates a positive learning environment. As a result, students learn that many paths can lead to the same outcome. This can help students see that learning is the most important part of the education process, not conforming.

Growth Opportunities for All

Finally, differentiated instruction allows teachers to express their creativity, think about the subjects they teach in different ways, and grow as an educator. If a student isn't connecting with the lesson because of the format, it forces the teacher to think of new ways to help them. Once the teacher arrives at a solution, they'll have another tool available that they can use in the future. Over time, the teacher develops an array of tools and strategies to use, which makes them a more effective educator. Georgia's GACE tests cover effective ways to teach students with different needs.

By being flexible, the teacher shows respect for the student's talents, strengths, and experiences. As a result, the student feels seen and respected, not dismissed and ignored. This helps solidify the teacher's relationships with their students and enhance their empathy, which improves the student's educational experiences and increases the likelihood that they will be successful.