It is helpful for instructors to initially implement an assessment to pinpoint which learning style is each student's strongest. Free quizzes such as the "Ageless Learner Learning Style Assessment" can quickly identify how the students learn best. This information can help instructors focus on transmitting information based on the student's learning style when he or she struggles with a particular concept. Also, these results can help guide lesson plans according to what learning style is predominant among students and make sure to address all styles.
Educators of all grades and subjects must keep in mind the importance of relating the material to their students' lives and current day issues, and to both girls and boys. For example, if you are teaching a novel, it is important to discuss gender roles as portrayed in the novel. Discuss how advertisements, technology, and other real world issues to which they are regularly exposed relate to the content being taught.
Teaching Today emphasizes that "the greatest learning occurs when students are pushed slightly beyond the point where they can work without assistance." In order to challenge each student individually, assign solo assignments that require the student to demonstrate their personal knowledge, skill, work ethic, and ability. For example, have each student teach a section to the class using their particular learning style. Challenge students of all levels to translate the material in their own unique way. These types of individualized assignments provide the students with a sense of ownership over their learning and motivates them to do their best since they will have to present it in front of the entire class.
Varying the types of assessments and ensuring many assessments are student-created is another vital aspect of differentiated teaching. Students can demonstrate their own knowledge and understanding through projects, presentations and journals, for example, instead of being evaluated solely by standard tests and quizzes. Also, holistic rubrics can be an effective way to gauge how hard each individual student worked according to their abilities rather than having a rigid answer key.