Differentiating Instruction with Breakout EDU 

A key resource for supporting every students’ learning journey

Classrooms are diverse and dynamic spaces! Each day teachers rise to the challenge of meeting the unique learning needs of their student population. Differentiated instruction is an educational approach that  recognizes students entering classrooms do so with myriad learning preferences, abilities, and backgrounds, and seeks to personalize instruction to meet each student where they are. 

Here, we share the importance of differentiated instruction along with 4 ways Breakout EDU lends itself to providing a differentiated experience for all students - without draining teachers' planning time.

Why is differentiated instruction important? 

Every classroom is full of students each possessing their own superhero-level learning abilities and needs. Differentiated instruction matters because it provides flexibility for students to learn in ways that work best for them, considers the needs of all students, supports learning regardless of where students are on their path to academic success, and helps keep students motivated and excited about school.

Differentiated instruction focuses on tailoring learning experiences to a variety of strengths, interests, and areas of growth. This approach encourages teachers to be flexible, adaptive, and responsive to the diverse needs within their classrooms.

The Breakout EDU difference

Implementing a differentiated approach in the classroom involves various strategies and tools. One effective tool to fold into your standard practice are educational games and challenges from Breakout EDU.

With Breakout EDU, teachers can assign games to students individually or groups of like-skilled students.

Here are 4 ways Breakout EDU games bring the magic of differentiation into classrooms each day: 

1. Customize and assign strategically


Teachers can create and customize digital games with educational content to meet students at their level. Build games with known content for review, challenging content for practice, or even incorporate unknown content to assess for prior knowledge. In addition to customizing games, teachers can also choose to group students or assign to them individually. This freedom allows students requiring additional support to be assigned games designed to reinforce key concepts while advanced learners tackle more challenging games.

2. Heighten engagement


Differentiated instruction is not just about academics, it is also about meeting students where they are - and that includes how they enjoy learning. Engagement is a key component to educational success and when students are presented with opportunities to participate in their education in ways that speak best to them; they thrive. Breakout EDU offers games in digital and physical formats so students have a blend of visual, auditory, and hands-on opportunities. 

3. Encouraging collaboration


Breakout EDU games require teamwork and collaboration when assigned to teams. Students must work together and play to their strengths if they wish to succeed and breakout. This allows teachers to strategically form student groups representing a mix of abilities so that students encourage and support their peers - and celebrate wins as a team! In the process, students learn from each other and build a sense of community and shared responsibility for learning outcomes.

4. Measuring progress


A key principle of differentiated instruction is regular, ongoing assessment of progress towards current year learning expectations. Breakout EDU digital games provide teachers with a dashboard for real-time insights into students' progress. With physical games, teachers enjoy monitoring student progress by listening in on conversations and taking notes on which students step into leadership roles. Teachers can then use this information to adjust instruction and provide additional support or challenges as needed.


Conclusion

Differentiated instruction is an essential way to meet the diverse needs of contemporary students. Each student is unique and a personalized approach is fundamental to building a successful and inclusive learning environment.

Harness the power of Breakout EDU to transform your classroom into inclusive and engaging spaces where every student thrives. Click here to learn more about Breakout EDU!