What does differentiated instruction aim to address?

Differentiated instruction aims to address diverse learning needs and preferences by tailoring teaching strategies and resources to meet the varied abilities, interests, and learning styles of each student in the classroom. This approach recognizes that students come with unique backgrounds, experiences, and skills, which can affect how they learn and engage with the material.

By employing differentiated instruction, educators can implement various instructional techniques, materials, and assessments that allow all students, regardless of their starting point, to access the curriculum effectively and achieve their learning goals. This might involve grouping students by skill level, providing different resources, or offering choices in how students demonstrate their understanding, all designed to enhance individual learning experiences and outcomes.

The other approaches mentioned, such as uniform teaching and standardized assessments, do not cater to individual differences, while advanced programming for gifted students may focus on a specific subset of learners rather than addressing the full spectrum of student needs.