“Everyone is different”— it’s one of those truisms that sounds so simple and intuitive.

Of course, we all come from different backgrounds, characterized by our environment, culture, decisions, values and inherent traits. Yet in practice, it can be daunting to meet the needs of all of our students, and we can inadvertently fall back into the trap of delivering a uniform experience. Differentiated instruction is a teaching philosophy designed to serve the diverse learning needs of all students. Taking a more individualized approach can be particularly supportive in making instruction meaningful and connection for students with unique cultural experiences like our Native students. By tailoring instructional strategies and choosing investing content, teachers can address various readiness levels, interests, and learning profiles to ensure that all students have access to meaningful and engaging learning experiences.

So, what exactly are the key components of differentiated instruction? The first consideration is the content that students will be engaging with. Students deserve (and perform better) when the material they are engaging with is representative of their backgrounds and experiences. By incorporating indigenous knowledge through integrating Native history, traditions and perspectives into the curriculum, students have new pathways to connect with the material increasing their investment in learning. Here, teachers can engage local Native community leaders and elders in the educational process through providing mentorship and cultural context. Teachers can use a range of reading materials at varying levels of complexity to reflect students interests and cultural backgrounds.

Another consideration concerns presenting learning options in a way that provides flexibility to students, especially those who’ve struggled only receiving traditional pedagogical approaches. One way to achieve this flexibility is by using blended learning This approach couples online and in-person instruction in a way that can accommodate students' individual needs. Offering flexible schedules, expanded hours or home visits can help students who are struggling, or have missed work.

However, how can we structure student deliverables in a way that speaks to them and gives them the agency to demonstrate their learning? Here, differentiated instruction can really shine by giving students the freedom to choose how they actively display what they’ve learned. By providing students with the option to engage with essays, presentations, artwork and digital media. Creative project-based learning can also help students thrive by showing them how the knowledge they gain can be applied in the real world, such as guiding students in developing a community outreach program.

Differentiated instruction is a powerful approach to engage students with course content, while also addressing both academic and socio-emotional needs. By incorporating culturally relevant materials, flexible learning options, and supportive environments, we can help these students reconnect with their education and achieve academic success. As educators, we strive to meet the diverse needs of all learners, embracing differentiated instruction can create a more inclusive and effective educational experience for students and help them reach their full potential.

Sources

1. Tomlinson, C. A. (2001). How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed-Ability Classrooms. ASCD.
2. National Indian Education Association: Provides resources and strategies for engaging Native students.
3. Edutopia: Offers articles and case studies on differentiated instruction and culturally responsive teaching.
4. Education Week: Features research and best practices for supporting chronically absent students and credit recovery programs.

For further reading, you can explore:

• National Indian Education Association
• Edutopia - Culturally Responsive Teaching
• Education Week - Credit Recovery