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Like all methods of learning, differentiated instruction comes with its own sets of challenges. This method may benefit some, but it does have its own drawbacks. It might be the perfect solution for some, while others may find it difficult to follow.
Advantages of Differentiated Instruction Learning
- Each child is taught based on their learning style and capacity. Children who learn better have a different lesson plan than those who take their time with each concept.
- Kids learn in a way that helps them to retain information for longer periods.
- Each student has access to an individualized learning plan. It is reminiscent of the IEP (Individual Education Plan).
- The child is dealt with according to their individual needs. Teacher/s address both the strengths and weaknesses of the child to make learning easier.
- Teachers dedicate hours even outside of the classroom. Teachers arrange for and create PowerPoint presentations that help in visual learning.
- They also hold interactive sessions that allow the child to open up and voice their ideas and concerns. They help in bringing out the creative side of the child/children.
- Differentiated instruction is effective for both high ability and differently-abled students to students with severe mental challenges.
- Students have a variety of materials to learn from and can take on the responsibility to learn all by themselves.
- With differentiated instruction, students are more engaged in learning. There seem to be fewer distractions and fewer discipline problems.
- Allows the teacher/s to be creative with how they approach teaching the material/s.
No child is left behind in this individualized and interactive learning method.
- It makes the teachers flexible by eliminating cumbersome routines.
Differentiated Instruction Learning is not without its own set of backlogs that may make learning and teaching tedious.
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Disadvantages of Differentiated Instruction Learning
- Differentiated Instruction learning demands more work during lesson planning. Individualized lesson planning for each student will take up a lot of time.
- Many teachers find it difficult to devote the time demanded by differentiated instruction as it is essentially a full-time second job. Scheduling proves to be challenging for many teachers.
- The learning curve is often steep due to slow progress and poor planning. Most schools lack the professional resources that are required for the ideal development.
- Many critics argue that there isn’t sufficient research supporting the benefits of differentiated instruction learning as it claims. It outweighs the added prep time by the teachers and instructors.
- If the classroom has a large strength, it will be difficult for the teacher/s to get individualized lesson plans formulated within the few minutes or hours allotted to each class.
- The teacher might predominantly focus on students who need more guidance and are lacking. They might fail to notice and solve the problems and queries of the one already excelling. It might create a problem when it comes to group discussions and evaluations, and practical learning.
- Children have different paces of learning. Slower kids might hold back the class from going forward with the curriculum.
- The teachers might find it difficult to organize lesson plans without a proper schedule. Due to different levels and paces of learning, the lesson plans and curriculum needs to be updated accordingly. There is no homogenous curriculum. It is a disadvantage to both the teacher/s and the students.