Differentiated Instruction Flashcards

A high school teacher gives all students the same novel to read but provides audio versions, illustrated summaries, and annotation guides to some students. This differentiates which element?

Answer: Process

Varying the means by which students engage with and make sense of the same text (audio, summaries, annotation guides) is differentiation of process.

Which of the following best describes 'learning menus' as a DI strategy?

Answer: A list of required and optional learning activities from which students choose, all targeting the same objectives

Learning menus offer structured student choice — typically a main course (required), sides (choose some), and desserts (extensions) — all targeting the same learning goals.

A teacher is concerned that high-ability students are not being challenged. Which DI strategy is most appropriate for extending their learning?

Answer: Using curriculum compacting to replace mastered content with accelerated or enriched work

Curriculum compacting identifies what advanced students already know, gives credit for mastered content, and replaces it with challenging enrichment or accelerated work.

A teacher observes that a student consistently performs poorly on written tests but excels in oral discussions. A DI response would be to:

Answer: Offer alternative assessment formats (oral exam, demonstration) that allow the student to show true understanding

Offering alternative assessment formats (oral exam, demonstration, portfolio) responds to the student's learning profile and allows accurate demonstration of knowledge.

According to best practices in DI, whole-class instruction is:

Answer: Used strategically for shared learning goals, alongside small-group and individual instruction

Differentiated instruction blends whole-class instruction (for shared content and community building) with flexible small-group and individual approaches — it does not eliminate direct instruction.

Which of the following most accurately describes the role of student interest in differentiated instruction?

Answer: Connecting learning to student interests increases engagement and motivation, enhancing access to content

Research supports that connecting academic content to student interests boosts engagement, persistence, and motivation, making content more accessible for all learners.

A teacher in Massachusetts must ensure that differentiated instruction aligns with which overarching requirement?

Answer: All differentiated tasks must remain aligned to Massachusetts state standards and grade-level learning objectives

In Massachusetts, all instructional modifications must keep students working toward the same grade-level standards; differentiation adjusts access and support, not the standards themselves.