“The ideal
learning setting
for learners of
varied profiles”
What is
Differentiated Instruction?
• Differentiated instruction, or learning, is
an approach to planning so that one
lesson is taught to the entire class while
meeting the individual needs of each
child.
Foundation for
Differentiated Instruction
 Encourages
inclusion of all
students
 Addresses different
learning styles
 Allows teacher to
reach all of the
students some of
the time
 Allows for diversity
among students
 Fosters social
relations and selfworth
 Meets social,
emotional, and
academic needs
Within each lesson of
Differentiated Instruction
you will find:
• A definite aim for all students
• A variety of teacher techniques aimed at reaching
students at all levels
• Consideration of student learning styles in
presentation of lesson
• Involvement of all students in the lesson through the
use of Bloom’s Taxonomy
• Choice in the method students will use to
demonstrate their understanding of the concepts
• Student evaluations based on their individual
differences
Suggestions for teacher presentation:
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Use hand signals/signs
Use variety of levels of materials
Repeat instructions
Stand close to students
Speak clearly, facing students
Modify tone of voice
Modify pace
Write instructions out on board
Ask student to repeat instructions
Demonstrate, act out instructions
Complete first example with student
Always put instructions in same place
Use pictures
Use different colored chalk/pens
Highlight key points in text
Team teaching
Photocopy information
Multi-sensory information
delivery:
Visual
Auditory
bulletin boards
radio
banners
tapes
posters
records
television
television
slides
lectures
filmstrips
debates
flashcards
discussions
transparencies
interviews
graffiti
concerts
Others
taste
smell
touch: texture
touch: temp
movement
How to Differentiate Instruction
Step 1 Know Your Students
Determine the ability level of your students.
-This can be done by surveying past records of student performance to
determine capabilities, prior learning, past experiences with learning,
etc.
Survey student interests.
-It is also important to get to know your students informally. This can be
done by an inventory, an interview/conference, or asking students to
respond to an open-ended questionnaire with key questions about
their learning preferences.
Is behavior management a problem?
-This is key when planning for activities that require less structure. It is
also important to determine learning styles and preferences for
students who may have trouble controlling their behaviors.
Step 2- Have a Repertoire of Teaching Strategies
Because “one size does not fit all,” it is imperative that a variety of teaching strategies
be used in a differentiated classroom. Four of the most popular teaching strategies
include:
Direct Instruction-most widely used; most traditional; used to cover a great amount of
material; teacher centered; provides constant interaction between students and the
teacher.
Inquiry-based Learning-very popular today; based on scientific method;develops
critical thinking skills;student centered;students conduct investigations independently
Cooperative Learning-based on grouping small team of students heterogeneously;
students grow intellectually through active learning, as well as socially
Information Processing Strategies-Students are actively processing, storing and
retrieving information. Teaching involves helping learners to develop
information processing skills and apply them systematically to mastering the curriculum.
Step 3- Identify a Variety of
Instructional Activities
• Engaging students in the learning process using activities that
motivate and challenge students to remain on task is probably
one of the most frustrating events in the teaching learning
process. But if you know your students' profiles, you have a
better chance at keeping them on task to completion of any
given assignment or activity. In a differentiated classroom,
activities are suited to the needs of students according to the
mixed ability levels, interests, backgrounds, etc.
• Some ideas for activities include:
• Questioning Techniques
• Ice Breakers
• Seating Arrangements
• Parents Conferences
Step 4- Identify Ways to Assess or Evaluate
Student Progress
Once again, the “one size fits all” concept becomes a problem.
Varying the means of student assessment is necessary if
students are to be given every opportunity to demonstrate
authentic learning. A variety of assessment techniques can
include:
 portfolios
 rubrics
 performance-based assessment
 knowledge mapping
Benefits of Differentiated Learning
*Teachers report a variety of benefits they have seen after shifting from the traditional "onesize-fits-all" approach to a differentiated one.
Successful learning occurs for students who have previously gone
underchallenged or overchallenged.
 It makes teachers feel more like creative professionals. It gives them the
opportunity to expand the individual lessons of class.
It works for both kids who had done well previously and those had struggled. The
kids who had never been able to do well now understood, and the kids who had
done well suddenly found interest in some new things.
Children seem to really thrive on challenge. If you allow them that opportunity to
really challenge and extend themselves, many times they'll want to do things that
are harder than anything you would have ever thought of.