What is differentiation?

• An attempt to recognise individual differences among pupils

and …

• … find ways of taking these differences into account in the

process of teaching and learning

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Advantages Disadvantages

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Advantages Disadvantages

Avoids labelling of pupils among their peers – they all complete the same work

An open-ended outcome can give gifted and talented pupils a chance to “fly”

Planning teaching takes less time

Works best where the teacher has used differing teaching approaches with particular ability groups leading up to the completion of the task

The outcome may lack sufficient challenge for gifted and talented pupils

The outcome may be too difficult for lower attaining pupils

The teacher may teach to the middle.

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Redefining differentiation by outcome

Could be defined as setting tasks for pupils to undertake “at their own level”

For gifted and talented pupils the outcome may be

• added to - taking the concept further• learning an additional concept• different – interpreting the same task differently• broader – exploring the idea more broadly• individualised – tweaked to take into account the

personal interest of the pupil

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Challenge for all• “When differentiation for the highly able is practiced, its value

should be considered for all pupils”• “It is also important to encourage seemingly ‘average’ pupils to

show unexpected ability. Since hidden abilities cannot always be

established by assessment, teachers should offer more

challenge where possible, at least in the classroom context; Sometimes to a whole group Sometimes to a targeted group Sometimes to those who work at speed Sometimes to those who want the challenge

As long as a real mix of these methods is used with sensitivity, it should oblige lazy and unmotivated pupils to experience challenge from time to time, while also ensuring that slow workers are not disadvantaged on every occasion”.

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Action planning on differentiation

Action Pupils Targeted Dates for implementation Staff responsible

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