What does differentiated instruction aim to address?

Differentiated instruction is a teaching philosophy that acknowledges and addresses the diverse needs of learners within a classroom. This approach recognizes that students come with varying background knowledge, readiness levels, learning preferences, and interests. By providing different avenues for students to engage with the material, differentiated instruction aims to tailor educational experiences so that all learners can maximize their potential.

For instance, a teacher might use multiple forms of assessment and provide varied activities for students to choose from, thereby accommodating different learning styles and preferences. This method fosters an inclusive classroom environment where each student can succeed according to their individual needs.

Other options, like standardized teaching methods and uniform expectations, do not acknowledge the individual differences among students and can lead to disengagement and underachievement. Finite learning styles suggest a rigid framework that overlooks the complexities of how students learn, whereas differentiated instruction embraces a more fluid and responsive approach to teaching.