What does differentiation in education refer to?

Differentiation in education refers to learning that is tailored to a student's individual needs and styles. This approach acknowledges that students have diverse backgrounds, learning preferences, and abilities. By differentiating instruction, educators can provide personalized pathways for each student, enabling them to engage with the material in ways that resonate with them personally. This method can encompass various strategies, including adjusting the content being taught, altering the process of learning, or modifying the assessment methods to suit different learners.

In contrast, standardized testing for all students does not consider individual differences and applies a uniform assessment to everyone, which does not facilitate customized learning. Providing the same resources to every student overlooks the varying levels of support and challenge that different students may require. A focus on teacher-led instruction typically emphasizes delivering information in a direct manner, which may not allow for the flexibility needed to adapt to varying learning styles and needs effectively.