According to Carol Ann Tomlinson, what is a better focus than labeling students?

Focusing on students' interests and needs aligns with a more personalized and effective teaching approach, as emphasized by Carol Ann Tomlinson. This perspective encourages educators to see each student as an individual rather than just a label or a statistic. By prioritizing understanding what drives and motivates students, teachers can create a more engaging and supportive learning environment that caters to diverse learning styles and capabilities.

This approach moves away from dependency on traditional metrics like scores and grades, which may not fully capture a student's potential or areas of struggle. Additionally, while recognizing challenges is essential, focusing solely on these can create a deficit mindset rather than an opportunity for growth and development. Understanding interests and needs allows educators to differentiate instruction effectively, fostering a more inclusive classroom that benefits all students, including those with disabilities.