Differentiated Instruction

Purpose: An important facet in learning a language is expanding reading comprehension capability. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the impact of implementation bias tasks through cooperative learning and gender on the reading comprehension process of Iranian intermediate EFL learners. Methodology: Two groups of 30 learners took part as a control group and an experimental group. Primarily the participants took The Preliminary English Test (PET) as a reading comprehension pretest. Then the experimental group instructed through the precepts of bias tasks in cooperative learning. However, the control group instructed through traditional instruction. Finally, the participants took the reading comprehension post-test. Findings: The result of two-way ANCOVA revealed that bias tasks through cooperative learning improved EFL learners' reading comprehension skills. Conclusion: Also, findings demonstrated that the means reading scores did not differ noticeably between male and female groups on both pretest and posttest. This task in cooperative learning can be utilized either in the classroom or in instructors' training.

The incorporation of applied games in university differentiated language instruction is increasingly prevalent. This interventional study was conducted through non-crossover design in the academic years 2020-2021 among the students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. The quantitative and qualitative data were gathered by soliciting participants' attitudes towards English for Specific Purposes writing through (game)-based differentiated instruction, assessing their academic and professional writing, and debriefing their insight into how differentiated instruction might enhance English for Specific Purposes writing. While the quantitative data were analyzed through Wilcoxon signed-rank test and repeated measures ANOVA, the qualitative data were content analyzed through theme-based analysis. It was revealed that mixed reality harnessed the synergy of augmented reality and virtual reality in English for Specific writing education. Findings showed that single-minded preoccupation with a game type undermines the potential of game-based differentiated instruction in English for Specific Purposes writing. The results and implications are explained.

The objective of this study was to explore and identify effective differentiated instruction (DI) strategies for students with learning disabilities in mainstream educational settings. This qualitative research involved semi-structured interviews with 21 participants, including general education teachers, special education teachers, and educational administrators from an urban school district. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, ensuring a diverse representation of educators with extensive experience in teaching students with learning disabilities. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify patterns and themes related to DI strategies, perceived effectiveness, implementation challenges, and support mechanisms. The study identified several key DI strategies, including differentiated content, process, product, and environment, along with the integration of technology. These strategies were reported to enhance student engagement, academic achievement, and social-emotional development. However, significant challenges such as time constraints, limited resources, and the need for professional development were highlighted. Support mechanisms, including professional development opportunities, collaborative practices, administrative backing, community resources, parental engagement, and technological support, were identified as crucial for successful DI implementation. Differentiated instruction is an effective approach to addressing the diverse needs of students with learning disabilities, promoting inclusivity and improving educational outcomes. Despite its benefits, the successful implementation of DI requires addressing substantial challenges through targeted support mechanisms. Future research should focus on expanding the sample size, exploring long-term impacts, and investigating the role of technology in DI. Practical recommendations include enhancing professional development, fostering collaboration, securing administrative support, engaging community resources, and increasing parental involvement.

This study aims to explore the experiences of special education teachers in implementing differentiated instruction (DI) within mixed-ability classrooms. This qualitative research utilized a phenomenological approach to gain in-depth insights into the participants' experiences. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 25 special education teachers from various schools in a metropolitan area. Participants were selected through purposive sampling to ensure they had significant experience with DI. The interviews, each lasting 60 to 90 minutes, were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. The data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the teachers' experiences. The analysis revealed three main themes: challenges in differentiated instruction, strategies for effective differentiation, and perceived effectiveness and outcomes. Teachers reported significant challenges, including resource limitations, managing student diversity, assessment difficulties, increased workload, and issues with parental involvement. To address these challenges, teachers employed strategies such as flexible grouping, curriculum adaptation, professional development, collaborative planning, and enhancing student engagement. The perceived effectiveness of DI included improved student progress, positive changes in classroom dynamics, increased teacher satisfaction, and greater inclusivity. Differentiated instruction is a vital approach in mixed-ability classrooms, promoting equitable learning opportunities for all students. Despite the challenges, the strategic implementation of DI leads to significant positive outcomes in student performance and classroom inclusivity. Schools should support teachers through professional development, adequate resources, and collaborative opportunities to enhance the effectiveness of DI. Further research should focus on larger, diverse samples and mixed-methods approaches to provide a more comprehensive understanding of DI practices.