Every student is unique, as is every student’s learning style. Combine this with the fact that classrooms in the U.S. are becoming increasingly diverse, and the need for specifically tailored instructional plans becomes clear. This strategy of ensuring every learner’s individual needs are met is known as differentiated instruction. It is a form of pedagogy that, according to Amber Silverman in an article from adaptive learning company HMH, is an “inclusive approach that acknowledges and accommodates the diverse needs, interests, and readiness of students.”
For education professionals looking to master this vital aspect of teaching, the Southern Oregon University (SOU) online Master of Science in Education (MSEd) with a Concentration in Curriculum and Instruction program might be a perfect choice. The degree track enables teachers to create innovative instructional strategies that support specific learners. Graduates of SOU’s online MSEd in Curriculum and Instruction program learn best practices for differentiated instruction for diverse learners and enter the workforce with knowledge of how to effectively leverage data to determine teaching efficacy.
What Is Differentiated Instruction in the Classroom?
Teachers unfamiliar with the term “differentiated instruction” might fear that it means creating entirely different lesson plans for every student in their care. However, Brenda Iasevoli notes in an article from HMH that differentiated instruction is built around strategies that teachers are probably already using in their classrooms. “It’s an approach where every student in the class works toward the same learning objective, but how they achieve the objective can vary based on their strengths, challenges, or interests,” according to Iasevoli. “Teachers using this approach tailor instruction to each student’s needs without compromising on high standards.”
For example, differentiated instruction might involve a few different teaching strategies. Some classrooms might implement small group work with rotating groups of students. According to Understood, a nonprofit that raises awareness about groups of people with learning and cognitive differences: “A group can include a pair of students or a larger group. In all cases, it’s an opportunity for students to learn from each other.” Other classrooms might practice things like reciprocal learning, which is the process of students temporarily becoming teachers and sharing what they’ve learned with their peers, according to Understood.
Why Is It Important to Use Differentiated Instruction in the Classroom?
According to Iasevoli, the benefits of employing differentiated instruction are numerous, especially in classrooms with diverse learners. “In a typical classroom, students don’t always share the same culture, language, or socioeconomic status,” Iasevoli notes. As a result, students do not have the same strengths and weakness, and differentiated instruction helps to ensure that they receive support targeted to their particular needs.
Perhaps the most important thing to remember when using differentiated instruction is that it is the opposite of a one-size-fits-all approach. This may seem obvious, but this mode of teaching requires time and patience to pay off. English and social studies teacher Larry Ferlazzo explains in an article from Education Week that “teachers cannot cookie-cut differentiated instruction. It is tailored to fit the needs of the students so that learning can be fun.”
The Time Is Now to Pursue a Master of Science in Education in C&I
The best way to learn how to harness the power of differentiated instruction is through an MSEd program that emphasizes the study of curriculum and instruction. While this academic path is usually intended for teachers, it can lead to other potential career outcomes. According to Indeed, these opportunities can include curriculum and instruction coordinator, training specialist, instructional coach, learning specialist and instructional designer.
SOU’s online MSEd in Curriculum and Instruction program opens doors for professionals, regardless of their chosen paths. After all, prospective students do not need a teaching license to complete the program, and they can choose among a wide variety of electives to personalize their degree. With core courses like Differentiated Instructional Strategies, educators will be prepared to navigate diverse classrooms of all kinds, from K-12 to corporate training settings.
Learn more about SOU’s online MSEd with a Concentration in Curriculum and Instruction program.
