Differentiated Instruction
A tailored education – that’s the ideal scenario for every student in every classroom, after all, everyone is different. However, tailored education does not mean individualized education. In fact, it’s far from that. The main component of a tailored education is differentiation, an educational philosophy which is now becoming highly popular with schools around the world. Still, the concept is still in its infancy and various assumptions are being confirmed and challenged.
Differentiation uses a combination of various methods to engage and teach students. Contrary to the assumption, it is not an individualized instruction, but a mixture of various kinds of instructions in order to respond to the different needs of the students. As the student is the center of teaching and learning in this philosophy (Tomlinson, 2009), the teacher is encouraged to be proactive and utilize various methods to engage students in active learning.
The use of multiple and alternative forms of assessment in differentiation is an essential part of the process. However, teachers are divided on this issue. Some teachers embrace and confirm this assumption, others challenge it. Teachers who use various forms of assessment confirm that by using such method, they discover learners’ needs easily and regularly. Therefore, they can address their needs at the right time, supporting them to meet and exceed established standards (Levy, 2008). Some teachers and educators argue that this type of method is chaotic leaving teachers and students with an increased workload.
As a teacher, my aim is for my students to succeed and differentiation helps me achieve that. I believe that I have to tap the interests of my students to help them become more autonomous learners. I have started modifying by teaching strategies by introducing various activities and engaging students in more practical tasks. I will continue to be more proactive by employing innovative and creative methods of teaching and learning. I will put myself in my students’ shoes and evaluate what works well and what doesn’t in the classroom setting. I will utilize various assessment processes and will perform them regularly – before, during and after the main activities of the students. This will enable me to appraise their performance as well as mine. I believe that to have successful students, you have to be an effective teacher – and this is my ultimate goal.
Teaching is one of the most difficult and important roles in our society. Teachers help develop the citizens of a nation. I know we all have our own motivations and goals for teaching but we must not forget our ultimate role – to teach students and help them become more successful in their lives.
Levy, H.M. (2008). Meeting the needs of all students through differentiated instruction: Helping
every child reach and exceed standards. The Clearing House, 81(4), 161-164.
Tomlinson, C.A. (1999). The Differentiated Classroom: Responding to the needs of all learners.
Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
