Teacher perception of differentiated instruction and its implementation in schools of hithadhoo, addu, Maldives / Veena Jabir

Abstract

This study serves as an insight into teachers' perception of differentiated instruction and its implementation in the schools of Hithadhoo. Addu, Maldives. Four main research questions were utilized for this study; 1) How do teachers perceive and define differentiated instruction? 2) What are the teaching strategies used to implement differentiated instruction? 3) What are the main challenges teachers face to implement differentiated instruction and how the barriers can be overcome?
4) How does differentiated instructional approach impact in the process of teaching and learning in the classroom?

A qualitative approach was utilized to study about the phenomenon, where 8 interviews were taken from the teachers ranging in experience from 4 years to 17 plus years in the educational field. In addition, documents were reviewed to triangulate the data to make the data more robust and valid. Purposive sampling technique was utilized which helped to identify the participants who were familiar with differentiated teaching. Data was analyzed by using a thematic framework after doing open and axial coding. All the transcriptions were given for member checking to bolster the trustworthiness.

The findings of the study helped to emerge main 8 themes on teacher perception of implementing differentiated instruction. They include; PD sessions, meeting the needs of learners, teaching strategies, DI is prevalent, learning environment, challenges, concerns and awareness. As this study highlighted the importance of differentiated instruction, it also suggested the need for professional guidance for the teachers on the use of differentiated instruction and the importance teacher collaboration.

This study could be of interest to teachers and school system as an insight to improve the pedagogical practices. Furthermore, teachers may consider the participants' experiences and bring about a change in their current classrooms, thus helping the students to succeed.