Adaptive teaching strategies — with examples

Author: Teachit's editorial team
Published: 16/07/2024

Adaptive teaching involves tailoring instructional methods and materials to meet the diverse needs of all students, ensuring each learner can achieve their full potential. By implementing adaptive teaching strategies such as flexible grouping, scaffolding, and formative assessment, teachers can create inclusive and supportive learning environments. These techniques enable educators to dynamically adjust their teaching based on ongoing assessments of student progress, providing the necessary support and challenges for every student.

10 strategies to support effective adaptive teaching

  1. Flexible grouping. Group students dynamically based on their learning needs, which can change over time.
  2. Scaffolding. Provide temporary support to students until they become independent in their learning.
  3. Questioning. Use a range of questions to assess understanding and stimulate critical thinking.
  4. Formative assessment. Regularly assess students' understanding to inform future teaching.
  5. Differentiated resources. Use varied materials that cater to different learning levels and styles.
  6. Peer teaching. Encourage students to teach each other, reinforcing their own understanding.
  7. Learning stations. Set up different activity stations that students can rotate through, allowing for varied learning experiences.
  8. Personalised learning plans. Develop individual learning plans for students with specific needs.
  9. Modelling. Demonstrate tasks and processes explicitly to guide students.
  10. Technology integration. Use educational technology to provide interactive and personalised learning experiences.

Examples of adaptive teaching in the primary classroom

Adaptive teaching in primary classrooms involves employing various strategies to meet the diverse needs of younger learners. By using techniques such as flexible grouping, scaffolding and learning stations, teachers can create engaging and inclusive learning environments that support the development of all students. Below are examples of how these adaptive teaching strategies can be applied effectively in different stages of primary education.

Examples of adaptive teaching in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

  • Flexible grouping. Group children for reading activities based on their phonics knowledge, adjusting groups as their skills develop.
  • Scaffolding. Use visual aids and gestures to support language development during storytime.
  • Learning stations. Create stations with different sensory activities to cater to various developmental stages.

Examples of adaptive teaching in key stage 1

  • Questioning. Employ open-ended questions during maths lessons to encourage problem-solving.
  • Formative assessment. Use quick quizzes to gauge understanding of basic arithmetic or reading comprehension, adjusting lessons accordingly.
  • Peer teaching. Pair students to read together, allowing stronger readers to support their peers.

Examples of adaptive teaching in key stage 2

  • Differentiated resources. Provide texts at different reading levels during literacy lessons to ensure all students are challenged appropriately.
  • Personalised learning plans. Develop individual targets for students with special educational needs, incorporating specific interventions.
  • Technology integration. Use educational apps to provide additional practice in areas such as spelling and mathematics.

Examples of adaptive teaching in the secondary classroom

Adaptive teaching in the secondary classroom involves employing diverse strategies to address the varying needs of older students. By using methods such as flexible grouping, scaffolding and formative assessment, teachers can create a responsive and inclusive learning environment. Below are practical examples of how these adaptive teaching strategies can be effectively implemented in key stages 3, 4, and 5.

Examples of adaptive teaching in key stage 3

  • Flexible grouping. Group students for science experiments based on their prior knowledge, ensuring each group has a mix of abilities. In history, group students to analyse different primary sources, ensuring each group has a mix of analytical skills.
  • Modelling. Demonstrate essay writing techniques in English lessons, breaking down each step of the process. In maths, model problem-solving techniques step-by-step for complex equations.
  • Learning stations. Set up history stations with different primary sources, allowing students to engage with varied materials. In geography, create stations with different types of maps and geographical data for students to analyse and compare.

Examples of adaptive teaching in key stage 4

  • Scaffolding. Provide structured frameworks for GCSE coursework, gradually reducing support as students gain confidence.
  • Formative assessment. Use regular low-stakes quizzes to inform revision sessions in subjects like maths and science. In languages, use quick vocabulary quizzes to track and improve language retention and usage.
  • Differentiated resources. Offer a range of revision materials catering to different learning preferences, such as visual aids and practice papers.

Examples of adaptive teaching in key stage 5

  • Questioning. Use higher-order questioning techniques in A-level classes to deepen understanding and encourage independent thinking.
  • Peer teaching. Organise study groups where students can explain complex concepts to each other, reinforcing their own learning.
  • Personalised learning plans. Create detailed revision plans tailored to each student’s strengths and weaknesses, particularly for A-level exams or coursework requirements.

 

References

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