What does differentiated instruction involve?

Differentiated instruction involves tailoring teaching methods and resources to meet the diverse needs of students. This approach acknowledges that students come to the classroom with varied backgrounds, learning styles, interests, and abilities. By differentiating instruction, educators can modify content, process, and products to match the individual learning requirements of their students, thereby fostering a more inclusive and effective learning environment. This might include adjusting the complexity of assignments, utilizing varied instructional strategies, and offering choices in how students demonstrate their understanding, allowing each student to engage with the material in a way that is most beneficial to their learning.

In contrast, the other options do not support the principles of differentiation. Standardizing curriculum tends to ignore individual differences and may not be as effective in addressing the learning needs of every student. Limiting teaching strategies can create confusion for learners who thrive on variety and may not address their unique learning preferences. Providing the same assignments to all students overlooks their individual strengths and challenges, potentially leaving some students disengaged or overwhelmed.