Differentiated Instructions in ESL and EFL Classrooms: A Systematic Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21009/stairs.5.2.5Keywords:
Differentiated Instruction (DI), English as a Foreign Language (EFL), English Language Learning (ELL), English as a Second Language (ESL)Abstract
Differentiated Instruction (DI) is an English teaching method that emphasizes addressing students' unique characteristics by tailoring instruction based on their interests, learning profiles, and readiness. While the concept has gained attention, a comprehensive analysis of its techniques, aspects, and impacts remains limited. This study aimed to bridge this gap by conducting content analysis on 32 articles related to DI in English classrooms. The researchers summarized, analyzed, and compared data to derive key findings. Results indicate that the study highlights DI's applicability across diverse classroom contexts and levels with diverse techniques. The reviewed articles also address the core aspects of differentiation—content, process, product, and environment—each of which involves distinct techniques, such as tiered and adjusted materials and grouping strategies. Furthermore, it identifies the positive effects of DI on students' academic performance, psychological well-being, classroom environment, and teacher practices. These findings underline the need for more holistic approaches to implementing DI and provide valuable insights for educators aiming to enhance learning outcomes through differentiated strategies.
References
Anggraeny, T. F., & Dewi, D. N. (2023). Analysis of teacher strategies in teaching English using differentiated learning. EJI (English Journal of Indragiri): Studies in Education, Literature, and Linguistics, 7(1), 129–146.
Ardani, H. N., & Agustina, I. W. (2022). The alignment of interpersonal text language functions in podcasts with the standard competence of English language for Junior High School. STAIRS: English Language Education Journal, 3 (1), 53-65.
Argyropoulou, T. & Zafiri, M. (2021). Improving the writing skills of EFL High School learners through alternative methods of assessment and Differentiated Instruction. Macrothink Institute: International Journal of English Language Education, 9(1), 142-169.
Arianto, R. et al. (2023). Building students’ confidence in speaking English through Differentiated Instruction. Lectura: Jurnal Pendidikan, 14(2), 276-287.
Bimantoro, B. P., et al. (2021). Engaging blind students in English Translation class: A report on Differentiated Instruction implementation. Education of English as Foreign Language Journal (EDUCAFL), 4(1), 19-33.
Bondie, R. S., et al. (2019). How does changing “One-Size-Fits-All” to Differentiated Instruction affect teaching? Review of Research in Education, 43(1), 336–362. https://doi.org/10.3102/0091732X18821130
Compen, B., et al. (2024). Good practices for differentiated instruction in vocational education: The combined perspectives of educational researchers and teachers. International Journal of Inclusive Education. DOI: 10.1080/13603116.2024.2305652
Coubergs, C., et al. (2017). Measuring teachers’ perceptions about differentiated instruction: The DI-quest instrument and model. Studies in Educational Evaluation, 53, 41-54.
Griful-Freixenet, J., et al. (2020). Connecting beliefs, noticing and differentiated teaching practices: A study among pre-service teachers and teachers. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2020.1862404
Halim, A., et al. (2022). A case study on teaching English with DIfferentiated Instructions at a Junior High school in Taiwan. Edulangue Journal of English Language Education, 5(1), 136-153.
Heacox, D. (2012). Differentiating Instruction in the Regular Classroom. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing.
Jacobs, G. M., & Toh-Heng, H. L. (2013). Small steps towards student-centred learning. In P. Mandal (Ed.), Proceedings of the International Conference on Managing the Asian Century, 55-64. Singapore: Springer.
Jawiah et al. (2023). The implementation of Differentiated Instruction to improve students learning outcomes in writing report text. Sketch Journal: Journal of English Teaching, Literature and Language, 3(1), 23-30.
Kupchyk, L. & Litvinchuk, A. (2020). Differentiated instruction in English learning, teaching, and assessment in non-language universities. Advanced Education, 1(15), 89-96.
Magableh, I. S. I., & Abdullah, A. (2020). Effectiveness of Differentiated Instruction on Primary School students’ English reading comprehension achievement. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 19(3), 20-35.
Melese, S. (2019). Instructors’ knowledge, attitude and practice of differentiated instruction: The case of College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Amhara region, Ethiopia. Cogent Education, 6, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2019.1642294
Mirawati, I. G., et al. (2022). Differentiated Instructions: Relevant studies on its implementation. Prasi (Singaraja), 17(1), 11–21. http://dx.doi.org/10.23887/prasi.v17i1.41867
Ojong, A. S. (2023). Unraveling the efficacy of differentiated instruction in enhancing second language acquisition: A comprehensive review and future directions. International Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Translation, 6(6), 75–82. https://doi.org/10.32996/ijllt.2023.6.6.8
Ortega, D. P., et al. (2018). Differentiating Instruction in the language learning classroom: Theoretical considerations and practical applications. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 9(6), 1220-1228. http://dx.doi.org/10.17507/jltr.0906.11
Padmadewi, N. N., & Santosa, M. H. (2022). The implementation of teaching English using Differentiated Instruction in Senior High School during the Covid-19 pandemic. Jurnal Pendidikan Bahsa Inggris Undiksha, 10(1), 46-52. https://doi.org/10.23887/jpbi.v10i1.49840
Partami et al. (2019). Differentiated Instruction in the multicultural classroom of primary years programme in Gandhi Memorial Intercontinental School - Bali. JPBII, 7(1), 1-11.
Pratiwi, A., & Palupi, T. M. (2022). Digital comic strips as multi-modal text for learning interpersonal and transactional text in Junior High School: A content analysis. STAIRS: English Language Education Journal, 3 (1), 43-52.
Pozas, M., Letzel, V., & Schneider, C. (2020). Teachers and differentiated instruction: Exploring differentiation practices to address student diversity. Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs, 20(3), 217-230. https://doi.org/10.1080/02188791.2020.1749559
Rumkoda, E. (2022). Using differentiated instruction strategy to improve students’ speaking skills at the tenth grade of students in Seminary Maria Bunda Segala Bangsa Senior High School in the academic year of 2021/2022. Edunipa Journal, 2(3), 52-63.
Sahri et al. (2021). The impact of Differentiated Instruction on students’ performance in Critical Reading. Eralingua: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Asing dan Sastra, 5(1), 275-283.
Saleh, A. H. A. E. (2021). The effectiveness of Differentiated Instruction in improving Bahraini EFL Secondary School students in reading comprehension skills. REILA: Journal of Research and Innovation in Language, 3(2), 135-145.
Sandra, L. A., & Kurniawati, L. A. (2020). Differentiated Instructions in teaching English for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. JET (Journal of English Teaching) Adi Buana, 5(01), 41–53. https://doi.org/10.36456/jet.v5.n01.2020.2274
Sari, A. P., et al. (2020). The implementation of English teacher’s differentiated instruction to disabled students in an inclusive school. Indonesian Journal of Disability Studies, 7(2), 170–182. https://doi.org/10.21776/ub.ijds.2020.007.02.06
Shareefa, M. (2020). Using Differentiated Instruction in multigrade classes: A case of a small school. Asia Pacific Journal of Education, 41(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/02188791.2020.1749559
Sun, X. (2023). Differentiated Instruction in L2 teaching: Two Extensive Reading Programmes conducted during Covid-19 pandemic. Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching, 17(2), 177-190. https://doi.org/10.1080/17501229.2021.1979985
Suprayogi, M. N., et al. (2017). Teachers and their implementation of Differentiated Instruction in the classroom. Teaching and teacher education, 67, 291-301. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2017.06.020
Tasx, H., & Minaz, M. B. (2024). The effects of learning style-based Differentiated Instructional activities on academic achievement and learning retention in the social studies course. SAGE Open, 1-14.
Tomlinson, C. A. (2001). Differentiate instruction in mixed-ability classrooms differentiate instruction (2nd Ed.). Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Tomlinson, C. A. (2013). Differentiating instruction using common core standards. [PowerPoint research presentation]. Presented at Best Practices Institute spring workshop conducted at the Institutes on Academic Diversity, Curry School of Education, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA.
Tomlinson, C. A. (2017). How to differentiate instruction in academically diverse classrooms. USA: ASCD.
Tomlinson, C. A., & Imbeau, M. B. (2010). Leading and managing a differentiated classroom (2nd ed.). ASCD.
Van Geel, M., et al. (2018). Capturing the complexity of Differentiated Instruction. School Effectiveness and School Improvement, 30(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/09243453.2018.1539013
Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.
Weselby, C. (2014). What is Differentiated Instruction? Examples of how to differentiate instruction in the classroom. Resilient Educator. Retrieved December 28, 2023, from https://resilienteducator.com/classroom-resources/examples-of-differentiated-instruction/