What kind of differentiation focuses specifically on the content, process, and products of learning?

Instructional differentiation specifically targets the various aspects of teaching, which include the content that students are engaged with, the processes through which they learn, and the products or outcomes of their learning experiences. This approach recognizes that students have diverse needs, learning styles, and readiness levels. By adjusting instructional strategies, teachers can enhance engagement and effectiveness in learning.

For instance, instructional differentiation might involve providing different reading materials that cater to varying reading levels in the classroom, employing varied instructional methods such as group work or individual projects, and allowing students to demonstrate their understanding through various formats, whether that be through presentations, written reports, or creative projects. This tailored approach encourages students to learn in ways that best suit their individual strengths and weaknesses, promoting a more inclusive educational environment.

In contrast, academic differentiation typically focuses more broadly on adjustments made to academic standards and expectations rather than the specific strategies used in the teaching process. Personalized learning emphasizes individual student pathways and customized learning experiences, often using technology to allow for more self-directed learning. Assessment differentiation is more concerned with how students are evaluated rather than how they engage in the learning process itself.