Differentiated Instruction

Taking into consideration your students' various learning styles is an important step when using differentiated instruction. By using differentiated instruction and lesson plans, teachers allow students to use their unique skills to learn material. Since each student learns from different styles of instruction and lessons, teachers should make use of multiple types of lesson plans and activities. Variety in delivery will offer students a wide array of activities to learn content from, which increases learning. Leslie Kiernan, author of Motherhood, Apple Pie, and Differentiated Instruction, explains that "In differentiated classrooms, teachers provide specific ways for each individual to learn as deeply as possible and as quickly as possible, without assuming one student's road map for learning is identical to anyone else's."

There are many models available to help educators assess their students' preferred style of learning. One resource that can assist teachers in determining these styles is a learning style quiz found online at www.engr.ncsu.edu/learningstyles/ilsweb.html. By using this quiz, teachers can tailor their lesson plans to meet the needs of their diverse learning audience. After discovering their students' learning styles, teachers should do some research to find what type of lesson plans and activities appeal to each style of learner.

In addition to teachers being familiar with various learning styles and their corresponding strengths and weaknesses, educating students on their own particular learning style can help equip them with the tools to make the best of their unique set of skills, which will increase their ability to study in the most effective manner. In an article titled Finding the Answer, author Thomas Mawhinney states, "Knowing that learning-style responsive homework strategies increased student achievement, students were taught how to study and complete assignments according to their learning-style strengths."

Differentiated instruction is a positive step to take for both the educator and students. Students with varying learning styles will have more opportunities to comprehend material. Teachers will have students who are engaged and active in the learning process. Often, when students are bored or feel that they're not able to comprehend the curriculum, they zone out. By using differentiated instruction, teachers can help insure that students don't build a wall between themselves and the learning objectives that are set forth for them.

Avoid the rut that some educators fall into. Don't be afraid to modify your long-standing lesson plans into new, innovative techniques. There is always room for improvement in education!

Kiernan, Leslie. (2005). Motherhood, Apple Pie, and Differentiated Instruction. Phi Delta Kappan. Vol. 86. 534-535.

"Learning Styles." North Carolina State University. March 2006.
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"Learning about Learning Styles." Educational Technology. March 2006.
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Mawhinney, Thomas S. (2000). Finding the Answer. Principal Leadership. Vol. 4.
44-48.

Miller, Suzanne. (2003). Differentiated Instruction. Phi Delta Kappan. Vol. 506. 7-47.