What is the main principle behind differentiated instruction?

Differentiated instruction is fundamentally about recognizing that students come into the classroom with diverse backgrounds, learning styles, abilities, and needs. The main principle is to tailor the educational experience to match these individual needs. This could include adjusting content, process, or product based on each student's level of readiness, interest, or preferred learning style. By doing so, educators can provide more effective and engaging learning experiences that foster growth and understanding for every student.

The other options do not align with the concept of differentiation. Using the same instructional method for all students overlooks the differences among learners and can result in disengagement or frustration for those who may need varied approaches. Focusing only on whole group instruction fails to address individual learning requirements and limits the ability to cater to specific student needs. Likewise, relying solely on standardized tests for assessments does not take into account the nuances of individual learning, as not all students demonstrate their understanding in the same way. Hence, matching instruction to the individual needs of students is key to supporting their unique learning journeys.