In educational settings, what does "differentiation" refer to?

Differentiation in educational settings refers to adjusting strategies to accommodate diverse learning needs. This concept recognizes that students have varying backgrounds, readiness levels, interests, and learning profiles. Effective differentiation involves tailoring instructional methods, resources, and assessments to help all students succeed, including those who may need additional support as well as those who require more challenging materials.

This approach ensures that teaching is responsive to individual differences and aims to engage every learner in a way that meets their specific needs. By implementing differentiated instruction, educators create an inclusive classroom environment that fosters growth for all students.