By Training Course Material FZE ·
Originally published: 30 July 2021 ·
Last updated: 14 August 2025
Every classroom has range. Different backgrounds, confidence levels, and speeds. Differentiation is how you give each person a fair shot at success—without building five separate courses. It’s about small, intentional choices in task, support, and pace.
Start with tiered objectives
Frame outcomes so everyone sees a path:
- All learners will… the core behavior or concept.
- Some learners may… add a level of complexity.
- A few learners might… stretch to advanced application.
If you’re unsure what to tier, run a quick pre‑check. Here’s how to do a simple Training Needs Assessment.
Mix task, support, and pace (the three levers)
| Lever | What to vary | Quick example |
|---|---|---|
| Task | Complexity, length, or product format | Email‑clarity exercise: must rewrite a short note; should rewrite + add structure; could rewrite, add structure, and craft a subject line that drives action. |
| Support | Models, checklists, sentence starters | Provide a good/better/best example and a 5‑point checklist; remove scaffolds for stretch. |
| Pace | Time and extension options | Use timers; early finishers do a peer review or tackle a “challenge” item. See time control tactics. |
Use choice to boost motivation
Offer a small menu so learners pick the route that fits. Keep the outcome the same.
Example (Presenting with Impact):
- Option A — Improve a slide: reduce text, add structure.
- Option B — Rehearse a 60‑second opening with a hook.
- Option C — Draft a 3‑point story arc for a case.
Blend formats to hit different preferences—more ideas here: engage different learning styles.
Pair and group with purpose
- Seat or group a confident learner with someone who wants support—rotate roles.
- Use write‑then‑pair before plenary to help quieter voices. See engaging shy participants.
- Online? Label breakouts by task type, not ability, to avoid stigma (e.g., “Case first,” “Slides first”).
Feedback and checks (little and often)
- Run quick, low‑stakes checks: thumbs 1–5, one‑minute write, or a single Q from the last segment.
- Use peer review with a short rubric; then add your note. For options, see assessment methods.
- Keep comments specific and kind—effective feedback beats “Great job.”
Make it accessible
- Chunk instructions and show an example before practice.
- Offer written and spoken directions; avoid dense slides.
- Allow alternative submissions (audio note, sketchnote, or text) when the objective is knowledge, not format.
- Rotate quick energizers from the Free Games & Activities library.
Plug tweaks into your guide
Add a line at the end of each module: “What I’ll tweak next time.” That keeps improvements close to content. New to this? Here’s how to use a trainer’s guide.
Starter plan you can run this week
| Segment | Move | Differentiation detail |
|---|---|---|
| Opening (5 min) | Tier objectives + quick poll | Fingers 1–5 on confidence; set All/Some/Few goals |
| Core activity (12 min) | Choice task (A/B/C) | Same outcome; different routes; provide a model for those who want it |
| Practice (8 min) | Write‑then‑pair | Timer visible; early finishers do a peer review |
| Check (4 min) | One‑minute paper | Prompt: “What will you change at work this week?” |
