What is Differentiated Instruction?

Differentiated instruction is a flexible approach to teaching in which a teacher uses varied approaches to address content, learning processes, learning style, practical procedures, presentation strategies, and assessment tools. It results in a more personal, proactive learning environment, inclusive of a wide variety of learners [1].

Differentiated instruction includes:

  • Providing alternative instructional and assessment activities;
  • Challenging students at an appropriate level;
  • Using a variety of groupings to meet student needs.

Differentiated instruction does not include:

  • Doing something different for every student in the class;
  • Disorderly or undisciplined student activity;
  • Using groups that never change or isolating struggling students within the class;
  • Never engaging in whole-class activities with all students participating in the same endeavour [2]

Watch the following video for a brief introduction to the concept of Differentiated Instruction (DI).

Click here to view the transcript for this video.

[1] (British Columbia Ministry of Education, 2011)

[2] (Ontario Ministry of Education, 2004)