Differentiated Instructions - What, Why, How, When..??

What - Differentiated Instructions means Tailored/customized Instructions to serve the different needs of learners. Its basic definition is 'Teacher's response to learner's need'.

How - You can differentiate Content-wise, Process-wise, Product-wise or through the learning environment.

When - According to learners' Readiness, Interest and Learning profile.

Different Strategies to implement while doing DI:

1. Use of a visual display to serve Multiple Intelligence (soft board, walls, charts, hangings, graphic organizers..)

2. Introduce a lot of graphic organizers for classroom teaching like Mindmap, Vann diagram, T-chart, Word splash, KWL chart and so on for clear thought process and precise instructions.

3. Organize a reading corner with different leveled books. Everyone should feel like s/he has something that can be read independently.

4. Be flexible with the sitting preferences of your learners. More comfort and with choice, more engagement. (Use teacher's discretion for exceptions...)

5. Include a variety of group settings in lesson plan - individual, pair work, in groups or as a whole class, It helps to know each other and benefits to utilize each other's strengths. (Homogeneous and Heterogeneous)

6. Learning centers are a big hit in DI. Students can choose the method according to their learning style. It encourages independent learning too.

7. Arrange a variety of resources, manipulative and material reachable to students anytime of the day. It enhances reasoning ability and demonstration skills.

8. Integrate the use of multimedia, tools and apps especially with Math and Environmental study to boost curiosity and questioning skills. Multimedia use even proves long term sustainability.

9. Inculcate a lot of brainstorming and problem-solving activities during assessments so learners can be pushed towards higher-order thinking.

10. Appreciate the innovative and unique ideas to boost creativity.

11. Motivate students with specific, constructive feedback constantly. I have seen amazing results for behavior or academic-related progress with positive feedback.

12. Individual Education plan with gradual goal modification always works like magic for positive reinforcement.

Differentiated Instructions is an unavoidable need for today's classroom. It shifts the preference of teaching from 'Teacher-centered' to 'Student-centered'. It might seem a lot of work on a teacher's part but it has a lot of positive gains. Just like one size does not fit all, one type of setting does not serve all.