The Importance of Differentiated Instruction

During class today we divided into groups of three and each took turns teaching a different skill. It got me thinking about how hard it is as a teacher to be interesting and effective for every student in the classroom. But at the same time, it also got me thinking about how extremely important it is. In fact, right behind caring for and respecting the students, I think the most valuable thing a teacher can do is learn how to differentiate instruction and learning. There is no single right way to create a differentiated classroom. However, there are some crucial characteristics that must be in place in order for differentiated instruction to be effective. It is necessary for the teacher to have an authoritative role in the classroom, however that does not mean that it needs to be authoritarian. Students and teachers together must help each other solve problems and create solutions for classroom concerns on intellectual, social, and personal levels. Moreover, student differentiation should be studied and used as the basis of planning, rather than the more traditional view that student differences should only be acted upon when they become problematic. Teachers must continually be assessing and analyzing the current level of understanding of his/her students in order to determine how to modify future instruction. In doing so, teachers must have respect for all students and acknowledge that each child has differences in learning. It is important to always ask “what, how, and why?” These questions will lead to more successful differentiation. What is being differentiated? How is it being differentiated? And why is it being differentiated? The areas that can be effectively differentiated are in the content, the process, and the product. It is crucial that in every classroom the teacher understands the goals of each lesson. Opportunities for students to find meaning in different subjects are created when the teacher has clarity about the purpose of each unit and lesson. Clear goals for each student are crucial so that slow learners are able to focus on understanding the essentials, while at the same time advanced learners can tackle more complex ideas.
Also, another thought provoking issue is how many times advanced learners are ignored or overlooked by teachers. Because they have already acquired the basic skills for a particular section, they often times do not receive any further stimulation from teachers. Differentiating instruction is extremely important at all age levels because it is not just about helping slow learners, but also about encouraging advanced learners to expand their knowledge and to look at issues in new ways. It is a common thought that differentiating instruction is important mostly for those kids who struggle. But providing differing options for students in terms of teaching styles and learning is valuable for all as it enhances the opportunities for each student and accommodates those with all learning types.