What is one of the key elements of a differentiated instruction approach?

The key element of a differentiated instruction approach is employing flexible grouping strategies. This method allows educators to group students based on their learning needs, interests, and abilities. By using flexible grouping, teachers can create a dynamic learning environment that accommodates various learning styles and paces, ensuring that all students can engage meaningfully with the material.

Flexible grouping encourages collaboration and peer learning, as students often work with different classmates throughout the year. This adaptability can help foster a sense of community in the classroom and make learning more effective, as it allows teachers to tailor instruction to meet diverse student needs.

In contrast, maintaining identical assignments for all students would undermine the goal of differentiation, which is to personalize learning. Working in isolation contradicts the collaborative aspect of differentiated instruction that promotes social skills and peer interaction. Predicting student outcomes is important but is not a core element of differentiated instruction; rather, differentiation focuses on responsive teaching to support all learners.