Strategies for Differentiating Instruction
(Based on the Universal Design for Learning)
Provide Multiple Means of Representation: the “what” of learning (Content)
Provide Options for Perception that:
a. Customize the display of information
b. Provide alternatives for auditory information
c. Provide alternatives for visual information.
Provide Options for Language and Symbols that:
d. Clarify vocabulary and symbols
e. Clarify syntax and structure
f. Support decoding of text
g. Illustrate through multiple media
Provide Options for Comprehension that:
h. Supply or activate background knowledge
i. Highlight patterns, critical features, big ideas, and relationships
j. Guide information processing, visualization, and manipulation
k. Maximize transfer and generalization
Provide Multiple Means of Action and Expression: the “how” of learning (Process)
Provide Options for Physical Action that:
a. Vary methods of response and navigation
b. Use assistive technologies
Provide Options for Expressive Skills and Communication that:
c. Use multiple media for communication
d. Use multiple tools for composition and construction
e. Build fluencies with graduated levels of supports for practice and performance
Provide Options for Executive Functions that:
f. Guide effective goal-setting
g. Support planning and strategy development
h. Facilitate managing information and resources
i. Enhance capacity for monitoring progress
Provide Multiple Means of Engagement: the “why” of learning (Product)
Provide Options For Recruiting Interest that:
a. Increase individual choice and autonomy
b. Enhance relevance, value, and authenticity
c. Minimize threats and distractions
Provide Options For Sustaining Effort And Persistence that:
d. Heighten salience of goals and objectives
e. Vary levels of challenge and support
f. Foster collaboration and community
g. Increase mastery-oriented feedback
h. Promote a growth mindset
Provide Options For Self-Regulation that:
i. Promote expectations and beliefs that optimize motivation
j. Facilitate personal coping skills and strategies
k. Develop self-assessment and reflection