Whether you want to try differentiation in your class, or just need more ideas on differentiation strategies, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel.
The Education Perfect team have put together 20 of their tried and tested differentiation strategies you can try with your class today!
Differentiated learning strategies
1. Flexible Grouping
Flexible grouping involves creating temporary student groups based on their learning needs, interests, or abilities. This approach allows students to collaborate with peers who have similar learning goals. Whether it’s taking on a new challenge or enhancing their understanding of a concept, this method is beneficial.
Example in a Lesson: In a maths class, after a pre-assessment, you group students into small teams according to their proficiency with fractions. Advanced students tackle complex fraction problems, while another group works on basic concepts using hands-on tools.
2. Learning Stations
Learning stations are different areas in your classroom where students can rotate through diverse content activities. Each station targets a specific skill or learning mode, offering students a choice in how they engage with the material.
Example in a Lesson: In a science lesson on ecosystems, one station might feature a video on food chains. Another offers a hands-on activity with plant samples, while a third focuses on reading comprehension with a related article.
3. Tiered Assignments
Tiered assignments provide various pathways to learn the same essential content at different complexity levels. This strategy caters to students’ individual readiness and ensures everyone learns at an appropriate pace.
Example in a Lesson: In a history class covering the Industrial Revolution, some students might write a detailed essay on its socio-economic effects. Others could create a timeline featuring key events.
4. Choice Boards
Choice boards offer students options for demonstrating their understanding of a topic. This strategy not only caters to different learning preferences but empowers students by giving them a say in their learning.
Example in a Lesson: In a literature class, students decide whether to create a comic strip, write a poem, or deliver a speech about themes in a read novel.
5. RAFT (Role, Audience, Format, Topic)
RAFT assignments engage students by having them write from various perspectives, addressing a specific audience, in different formats, and on relevant topics. This method leverages students’ writing strengths and interests.
Example in a Lesson: In a social studies class, you could ask students to assume the role of a historical figure, writing a letter (format) to a peer (audience) about a specific historical event (topic).
6. Learning Contracts
Learning contracts outline an agreement between you and your student, detailing learning objectives and the tasks the student will complete. This approach fosters self-directed learning and accountability.
Example in a Lesson: A student interested in marine biology might agree to undertake a research project on ocean life, with regular progress meetings with you.
7. Cubing
Cubing encourages students to explore a subject from six different perspectives, promoting a holistic understanding. Each cube side represents an activity or question related to the topic.
Example in a Lesson: In a geometry class, students might roll a cube with prompts like “describe,” “analyse,” and “compare” to explore geometric shapes.
8. Compacting
Compacting enables students who have mastered a subject to bypass content they already know. They can then engage in more challenging or enrichment activities, keeping their learning exciting and advanced.
Example in a Lesson: After showing proficiency in basic algebra, a student might move on to solve advanced problems instead of revisiting introductory concepts.
9. Scaffolding
Scaffolding offers students temporary support structures, aiding their progress towards independence in the learning process. As they gain more mastery, these supports are gradually withdrawn.
Example in a Lesson: In a language arts class, you might first model analytical thinking for dissecting a poem, guide students through pair analysis, and eventually have them analyse independently.
10. Interest Centres or Groups
Interest centres or groups focus on topics that intrigue, boosting student engagement by connecting learning to their natural curiosities. This method increases motivation and involvement.
Example in a Lesson: In an art class, students might join interest groups focusing on differing art movements like Impressionism or Cubism, pursuing projects that explore their chosen style.
11. Curriculum Compacting
Similar to compacting, curriculum compacting involves adjusting the curriculum itself. This allows students to skip over content they already know, freeing up time for more in-depth studies or enrichment activities.
Example in a Lesson: A gifted student in a chemistry class might skip the first unit on basic chemical reactions. Instead, they conduct experiments on reaction rates.
12. Learning Menus
Learning menus present a “menu” of activity options, which might include appetisers (introductory tasks), main courses (essential tasks), and desserts (enrichment activities). This approach allows students to choose tasks based on their interests and readiness.
Example in a Lesson: In a health education class, students select from a menu to complete a diet analysis, create a workout plan, or research a health-related topic.
13. Virtual Field Trips
Virtual field trips utilise education technology to take students on educational “journeys” without leaving the classroom. This strategy caters to visual and auditory learners and can be customised to align with student interests and understanding levels.
Example in a Lesson: For a unit on ancient Egypt, students might embark on a virtual tour of the pyramids, followed by a reflective writing assignment on their learnings.
14. Peer Teaching
Peer teaching involves students instructing each other on concepts, leveraging social learning and communication skills. This strategy benefits students who have mastered content and need to reinforce their understanding by teaching others.
Example in a Lesson: In a language class, students excelling in pronunciation might lead small group sessions to assist peers in improving their speaking skills.
15. Stations and Rotations
This method combines station work with timed rotations, enabling students to experience a variety of activities in one lesson. It accommodates different learning preferences and maintains high engagement levels.
Example in a Lesson: In a physics class, students might rotate through experiments, video tutorials, and problem-solving stations to explore laws of motion from multiple perspectives.
16. Technology Integration
Technology integration utilises tools like apps and online platforms, allowing for personalised learning experiences and continual feedback. This strategy is particularly effective for students who thrive with digital formats.
Example in a Lesson: During a maths lesson, students could use an app to practice equations at their own pace, receiving immediate feedback and hints when needed.
17. Interactive Notebooks
Interactive notebooks help students create personalised learning records, offering reflection, creativity, and information synthesis opportunities. This approach suits kinesthetic and visual learners well.
Example in a Lesson: In a biology class, students might design notebook pages with foldable models of the human cell, annotated diagrams, and personal reflections on cell function.
18. Project-Based Learning (PBL)
Project-based learning involves students in complex, real-world problems over extended periods. This approach suits various learning styles and promotes deeper understanding and engagement with the material.
Example in a Lesson: In a civics class, students might work on a semester-long project to design a community service initiative, integrating research, collaboration, and presentation skills.
19. Graphic Organisers
Graphic organisers visually present information and relationships between concepts, helping students organise their thoughts and make connections. This tool enhances clarity and understanding.
Example in a Lesson: In a history lesson, students might use a Venn diagram to compare and contrast the causes of two different wars.
20. Individualised Education Plans (IEPs)
IEPs are personalised plans developed for students with specific needs, outlining the goals and accommodations necessary for academic success. While formalised for special education, these principles can be applied for general differentiation too.
Example in a Lesson: A student with reading difficulties could receive simplified text along with audio support to better engage with a literature lesson.
Looking for an even easier way to differentiate in your class?
Education Perfect has resources for mathematics, English, languages, science, and more! With grouping features, analytics, and an AI feedback loop assistant, next-level differentiation becomes easy.
To see how it can work for you and your students, book a time with us today!
