Content Enrichment through Differentiated Instruction in the English Classroom

Jessica D. McCall, Leah A. Nillas

Research output: Faculty Advisor of Undergraduate Research

Abstract

As teachers move towards more inclusive classrooms, new trials emerge. Teachers are faced with a challenge to include more students in the general education classroom as if it was not difficult enough to cater to the already present variances in their students’ learning styles and interests (Tomlinson 2003). In today’s elementary and middle school classrooms, there is a decreasing number of leveled classes. Consequently, teachers must find a way to accommodate students with unique Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) and the students who are reading far beyond grade level. This research study is an analysis and synthesis of existing literature focused on differentiated instructional strategies when working with remedial, general, and gifted students. Differentiated instructional strategies provide teachers a way to increase student engagement with content and cater to different instructional needs, strengths, and interests. Emphasis is on successful differentiated instructional strategies concerning literacy while also analyzing important aspects of implementation. While in theory differentiated instruction allows educators to accommodate students, the general term of differentiation must be dissected to find specific areas that allow the strategy to work successfully (Puzio 2020). While certain strategies and programs have provided evidence for their success, there must be cooperation and support from the educators responsible for its implementation.
Original languageAmerican English
StatePublished - 2021

Disciplines

  • Education

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