Differentiated Instruction

Education news, analysis, and opinion about techniques and adaptations to instruct students with diverse learning needs in the same classroom

Explainer

Differentiated Instruction: A Primer
Definitions vary for differentiated instruction, a popular approach for teaching children with a range of academic strengths and interests.
Illustration of school children at their desks
Chris Whetzel for Education Week
Teaching Opinion Differentiation Does, in Fact, Work
One of the leading proponents of differentiated instruction, Carol Ann Tomlinson, writes a spirited defense of the teaching practice.
Carol Ann Tomlinson, January 28, 2015
6 min read
Teaching Letter to the Editor Differentiation Essay Offered 'Strident, Cynical' Parody
To the Editor:
I am deeply ashamed of you for publishing the Commentary "Differentiation Doesn't Work." It presents a ridiculous parody of differentiation. You should know better.
January 20, 2015
1 min read
Assessment Opinion Does Differentiation Work? Is That Even the Right Question?
James R. Delisle stirred a hornet's nest recently when he proclaimed, right here in the pages of Ed Week, that differentiated instruction doesn't work. I think he's focused on the wrong thing.
Dave Powell, January 20, 2015
6 min read
BRIC ARCHIVE
Chris Whetzel for Education Week
Teaching Opinion Differentiation Doesn't Work
Differentiated instruction adds depth and complexity to teaching, but it's all but impossible to implement in today's classrooms, James Delisle writes.
James R. Delisle, January 6, 2015
5 min read
Teaching Opinion A Think-Pair-Share on Think-Pair-Share
Think-Pair-Share is a great way to engage students and assess their understanding... if it's used effectively.
David Ginsburg, December 31, 2014
2 min read
Education Opinion Inventing Differentiation: A Guest Blog by Carol Ann Tomlinson
Inventing differentiation, a guest blog by Carol Ann Tomlinson.
Carol Ann Tomlinson, August 14, 2014
5 min read
Professional Development Tonight: Chat With Carol Ann Tomlinson About Differentiated Instruction
If you're not out in the streets celebrating America's World Cup win over Belgium, join us for a chat on differentiated instruction.
Ross Brenneman, July 1, 2014
1 min read
Teaching Opinion Response: 'Differentiation Is More Than A Set Of Strategies'
Today's post features a response from Kimberly Kappler Hewitt and a number of suggestions from readers on differentiation strategies.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 21, 2014
3 min read
Teaching Opinion Response: Differentiating Lessons by 'Content, Process, or Product'
Today's post features a "power-packed line-up" of guest responses, with Carol Tomlinson, Donalyn Miller and Jeff Charbonneau contributing differentiation suggestions.
Larry Ferlazzo, April 18, 2014
9 min read
Teaching Opinion What Are Some Ways Of Differentiating A Lesson?
The new "question-of-the-week" is: What Are Some Ways Of Differentiating A Lesson?
Larry Ferlazzo, April 16, 2014
1 min read
Education Opinion The Potential of Adaptive Learning
Technology allows instruction to be differentiated in ways that teachers only used to be able to dream about.
Walt Gardner, June 10, 2013
1 min read
Teaching Opinion Flipped Instruction or No Instruction?
A truly flipped classroom would involve more learning by doing and less lecturing--whether live or via video.
David Ginsburg, February 10, 2013
2 min read
Classroom Technology Blended PD Emphasizes Differentiated Instruction
New models for ed-tech training are moving away from a historical emphasis on developing technical skills and toward a broader focus on what educational approaches work best.
Robin L. Flanigan, October 23, 2012
7 min read
Curriculum Opinion Differentiated Instruction: A Solution to the School Finance Crisis?
Marc Tucker uses an example from his granddaughter's schooling to explain why only implementing one component of effective systems, in this case differentiated instruction, will not go very far in helping U.S. students catch up with their international peers.
Marc Tucker, June 28, 2012
5 min read