How do you ensure quality differentiated instruction?

1 Know your students

The first step to quality differentiated instruction is to know your students well. This means gathering and analyzing data on their academic skills, learning styles, interests, goals, and backgrounds. You can use formal and informal assessments, surveys, interviews, observations, and portfolios to collect this information. Then, you can use it to group your students based on their similarities and differences, and to plan instruction that meets their needs.

2 Vary your content

The content of your instruction refers to what you teach, such as the concepts, facts, skills, and vocabulary. To differentiate your content, you can use various sources, formats, and levels of complexity to present the same information. For example, you can use texts, videos, podcasts, images, charts, and diagrams to teach a topic. You can also use scaffolding, tiering, and compacting to adjust the difficulty and pace of the content for different groups of students.

3 Vary your process

The process of your instruction refers to how you teach, such as the strategies, activities, and methods you use. To differentiate your process, you can use various modes, structures, and choices to engage your students in learning. For example, you can use whole-class, small-group, or individual instruction to deliver the content. You can also use cooperative learning, inquiry-based learning, project-based learning, or problem-based learning to involve your students in the process.

4 Vary your product

The product of your instruction refers to how your students demonstrate their learning, such as the assessments, assignments, and projects you use. To differentiate your product, you can use various types, formats, and criteria to evaluate your students' understanding and skills. For example, you can use formative or summative assessments, quizzes, tests, essays, presentations, or portfolios to measure your students' learning. You can also use rubrics, checklists, or self-assessments to guide your students' expectations and feedback.

5 Use flexible grouping

Flexible grouping is a key strategy for quality differentiated instruction. It means grouping and regrouping your students based on different criteria, such as their readiness, interest, or learning style. Flexible grouping allows you to tailor your instruction to the specific needs and goals of each group, and to provide opportunities for your students to interact with different peers. However, flexible grouping also requires careful planning, management, and communication to ensure its effectiveness.

6 Seek ongoing feedback

The final tip for quality differentiated instruction is to seek ongoing feedback from your students, colleagues, and yourself. Feedback is essential for monitoring and improving your differentiated instruction. You can use feedback to check your students' progress, engagement, and satisfaction with the instruction. You can also use feedback to collaborate with your colleagues, share ideas and resources, and learn from each other's experiences. Finally, you can use feedback to reflect on your own practice, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and set goals for improvement.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?