NCT Consults on Differentiation in Classrooms.

Differentiation in education aims to meet the diverse needs of students in the classroom.

It is the process of tailoring instruction to meet the individual learning needs and styles of students. Differentiated instruction recognizes learners’ different readiness, interests, and learning preferences and helps teachers adjust their instruction accordingly. All team members at NCT Educational Services have their Masters in Special Education and Consult in several settings. Here are four ways to differentiate instruction to better meet the needs of your students.

1. Flexible Grouping

Flexible grouping is a strategy that allows teachers to group students based on their individual needs, rather than assigning them to fixed-ability groups. Teachers can use various grouping strategies.

2. Varied Instructional Strategies

Differentiated instruction helps teachers to use a variety of instructional strategies to meet the diverse needs of their students. Teachers can use a combination of activities to accommodate different interests and learning style preferences.

3. Assessments

Assessments are an important aspect of differentiation because it allows teachers to evaluate students’ learning and determine their individual needs. Multiple assessments can provide a more accurate picture of student progress than a single test or assignment. Teachers can use formative and informative observation to evaluate student learning and adjust their instruction accordingly.

4. Student Choice

Giving students a choice in their learning can be a powerful motivator and help them take ownership of their learning. Teachers can provide choices in the types of activities or projects students complete, the topics they study, or the methods they use to demonstrate their learning.