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As a classroom teacher, you might often feel like teaching is a balancing act. Crafting lesson plans that are clear, engaging, and beneficial for every student can be a daunting task. This is where differentiated instruction comes into play! This teaching approach allows you to adapt and customize lessons to fit the learning needs of each student. Explore the list of tips and tricks below to get started!
Steps
Set a learning goal for all students in the class
Establish basic requirements before preparing the lesson. Define clear outcomes and objectives for the session so that all students can grasp the same information. Once the foundational goals are set, you can begin tailoring lessons to meet the individual needs of each student.
- “By the end of the lesson, I want students to know how to divide fractions” is a good example of a clear lesson objective.
Provide students with different methods to learn the lesson content
Your students may prefer learning new content through visual, auditory, or kinesthetic methods. You can show a video at the start of the lesson or have students listen to required readings via audio recordings. You can also use charts, graphs, or other visual tools to present the lesson content in a clear and engaging way.
- For example, you can teach fractions by cutting a cake into pieces.
- You can introduce a world history lesson with an engaging documentary or a historical play.
- Students often learn best when they receive information from multiple perspectives, so get creative!
Incorporate diverse activities during the lesson
A single type of activity may not suit all students. Instead, vary the activities throughout the lesson. You can have students jot down their thoughts in daily journals or pair them up for discussions about the lesson.
- For instance, you can divide the class into literature circles when reading a book in class.
- Another example is teaching students about kings and queens through illustrated diagrams.
Allow students to choose from different types of assignments.
Students with different learning styles may prefer different types of assignments. Allow them to choose or suggest an assignment format that meets their learning needs instead of requiring all students to complete tasks in the same way.
- Instead of assigning a written report after reading a book, you could organize a mock debate between two students.
- Visual learners might find it easier to submit an image-based project.
Let students learn in the way that works best for them
Create a diverse classroom that accommodates all learning styles. Some students prefer working alone, while others thrive in group settings. Design different spaces in the classroom so all students feel comfortable, focused, and engaged with the lesson content.
- Provide clear instructions for students who prefer independent learning.
Organize flexible learning groups in the classroom
Flexible learning groups allow students to collaborate dynamically. Ultimately, you decide the group sizes and which activities work best for group work. Learning groups don’t have to be fixed—you can rearrange them for different tasks throughout the class.
- You could assign pairs to co-write a book report.
- Divide students into small groups to complete a science experiment or lab activity.
Present topics using real-world problem-based methods
Make students feel like they are in real-life situations. Not all students can absorb much from traditional, passive lectures—instead, they need to immerse themselves in the lesson content to understand its true purpose. Create scenarios that require students to apply their knowledge professionally, thereby enhancing their learning effectiveness.
- Instead of having students answer textbook questions in English, encourage them to translate a passage from an English website.
- You can have students apply chemistry exercises similar to the work of pharmacists or chemical engineers.
Set up different zones in the classroom
Assign different tasks to different areas of the classroom. Don’t force the entire class to do the same task at once—instead, break the lesson into manageable parts. Assign students to specific zones where they can work on different tasks.
- You can assign advanced students to more challenging zones, while students who need more support can focus on goal-oriented tasks.
- In a language class, you can create zones for listening, speaking, and reading.
- In a biology class, you can set up zones focusing on different stages of mitosis.
Design individualized schedules
Create a detailed 2-3 week plan for each student. These schedules allow you to focus on individual progress and design lesson plans tailored to each student's needs and abilities. Prepare a checklist for each student and assign them a list of tasks to complete over 2-3 weeks.
- Some schedules may be similar, while others can be adjusted based on each student's needs.
- For chemistry, you can assign students a list of experiments to complete within two weeks.
- For literature, you can assign students readings to be completed within a month.
Organize long-term studies for flexible scheduling
Trajectory studies are long-term projects integrated into the curriculum. Let students choose a topic of interest to focus on and research over 3-6 weeks. Then, work with each student as they complete their final project, such as a presentation or essay.
- In history, students can select a historical figure to study during a specific period.
- For literature, students can choose a book to read within a set timeframe.
- In forensic science, students can research a specific type of forensic evidence, such as trace evidence or tire marks.
Design choice boards for students
Students can select their tasks using a choice board. Attach a row of hanging pockets to the choice board, write different tasks on index cards, and place them in the pockets. Encourage students to pick a card from the choice board instead of assigning tasks automatically.
- You can place cards with varying difficulty levels in different rows of pockets. This way, students can choose tasks that match their knowledge and skill levels.
Assess student proficiency before starting a new lesson
Evaluate student proficiency before introducing a new topic. If a student performs well on the initial assessment, they can skip certain parts of the lesson instead of revisiting known information. Focus on students who do not perform well on the assessment.
Evaluate students using diverse methods
Don’t rely solely on multiple-choice tests to determine a student’s overall grade. Consider other factors contributing to the final score, such as homework, in-class assignments, and participation in classroom activities. This way, students who don’t perform well on tests can still demonstrate their understanding.
Communicate with students' families
Establish a communication system with students' families. Schedule regular phone meetings, progress checks, and/or updates to keep parents informed about their child’s academic performance. Parents can support individual learning goals and assist their children both at home and in the classroom.
Tips
- Avoid pairing high-performing students with those struggling academically. This can create challenges for everyone involved.
- Seek support from educational specialists when possible. Experts in reading, writing, and other fields can provide one-on-one assistance to students in need.
- Many schools offer specialized programs for students with unique needs who require individualized instruction.
