What should be adjusted to accommodate diverse student needs in differentiated instruction?

Differentiated instruction aims to tailor teaching methods and resources to meet the varying needs, interests, and abilities of all students, especially those with disabilities. By adjusting teaching methods and resources, educators can provide multiple pathways for students to engage with the content, catering to their unique strengths and challenges. This might involve using varied instructional strategies—such as visual aids, hands-on activities, or technology—and ensuring that resources are accessible to all learners. Such flexibility helps create a supportive learning environment where each student has the opportunity to succeed, thereby enhancing their educational experience.

In contrast, while assessments, grades, and classroom arrangements are important elements of the educational environment, they do not encompass the core principles of differentiated instruction as effectively as adjusting teaching methods and resources. Assessments might still measure student understanding but should align with differentiated teaching practices to be truly effective. Similarly, grade thresholds are typically standardized, and while accommodations might be made for individual students, they are not the central focus of differentiated instruction. Finally, while seating arrangements can facilitate a better learning environment, they do not constitute the heart of differentiated instruction, which lies in how content is delivered and engaged with by students.