Differentiation

Differentiation refers to the use of learning activities and support measures that are oriented toward the individual needs of children and adolescents. This can occur in either a school or an early learning setting.

A distinction is made between external differentiation (e.g., lessons in grades/year-groups or in specialized programs or schools for the exceptionally gifted) and internal differentiation (individual support within a whole class using learning settings or tasks that match the students’ interests, abilities, and performance). Combinations of both types of differentiation are standard practice.