Today's classrooms may group students of similar ages, but the backgrounds and individual learning needs of each student will vary widely. Teachers who plan their curriculum and teach their lessons as if every student has the same prior learning and will absorb new material at the same rate, will likely run into behavior problems. Good classroom management results from the teacher recognizing and addressing the individual needs of the diverse students in her classroom.
Some teachers mistakenly believe that misbehavior and student resentment will increase if they are perceived as being unfair or showing favoritism. While it is true that teachers must always be fair to all their students, fairness does not mean treating all students the same. Some students require additional time to learn a concept or a classroom rule. Giving each student what they require in order to maximize their learning is being fair. Applying the same consequences for certain behaviors without taking into consideration individual capabilities is not fair.
Students are amazingly adept at appreciating the desirability of a differentiated classroom. Although some teachers may fear the students' reaction if one student is allowed frequent washroom breaks, for example, while others are not permitted to leave the classroom, students are usually very accepting when the reason is explained to them. If students are frequently reminded that everyone in the class receives the specific requirement for his situation, they will understand and accept the exceptions that are necessary for some.
Differentiated classroom management does not mean chaos in the classroom. It does not mean tolerating inappropriate behavior from students. It does mean taking into account the needs, capabilities and limitations of the individual student. For example, one or two students may be the only ones who have permission to listen to music through headphones while completing worksheets if they are more productive when background noise is blocked out for them. Another student may be given special permission to get out of her seat and walk around the classroom if that helps increase her concentration. This does not mean that all of the students are entitled to wander about and do as they please. It does mean that individual student differences are being taken into account so each student can maximize his concentration and learning.