Strategies for Diverse Learners

Welcome to another episode of the Teaching with Valor Podcast. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re diving deep into one of the most essential topics in modern education: strategies for teaching diverse learners. 

Classrooms today are more diverse than ever—culturally, linguistically, and in terms of learning needs. As educators, we are not only responsible for ensuring that each student receives the academic instruction they need but also for adapting our teaching methods to meet the unique challenges that come with such diversity.

Show Notes

For more information on this topic check out the following resources:

• Tomlinson, Carol Ann – "The Differentiated Classroom": A foundational text on differentiation and meeting the needs of diverse learners.
• Colorín Colorado – Supporting English Language Learners: www.colorincolorado.org - A resource for teachers and parents of ELLs.
• Edutopia – Differentiated Instruction Resources: www.edutopia.org - Articles and strategies for differentiated instruction in diverse classrooms.
• Understood – Support for Learning Disabilities: www.understood.org - Resources for understanding and supporting students with learning and attention issues.
• Teaching Tolerance – Culturally Responsive Teaching: www.tolerance.org - A resource for incorporating culturally responsive teaching into your classroom.

Stay tuned for more episodes, and remember, every student is unique, and every classroom can be a place where all students succeed. Keep teaching with valor!

Transcript

Don: 0:09

Welcome to another episode of the Teaching with Valor Podcast. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re diving deep into one of the most essential topics in modern education: strategies for teaching diverse learners. Classrooms today are more diverse than ever: culturally, linguistically, and in terms of learning needs. As educators, we are not only responsible for ensuring that each student receives the academic instruction they need but also for adapting our teaching methods to meet the unique challenges that come with such diversity. In this episode, we’ll discuss how to effectively support students with varying learning styles, cultural backgrounds, and abilities in the classroom. Whether you're teaching in an elementary school, middle school, or high school, the strategies we’ll cover today will help you create an inclusive environment where all students can thrive. And for our parent listeners, we’ll also tackle a common question: How can I support my child’s diverse learning needs at home? So let’s jump in and explore what it means to be a responsive and inclusive educator for all learners. In our first segment we will look at how to Understand Diverse Learners. When we talk about“diverse learners,” we’re acknowledging that students come from a variety of backgrounds and bring different experiences, strengths, and challenges into the classroom. Some students may be English Language Learners, navigating a new language while simultaneously learning new academic content. Others might have special education needs, such as learning disabilities, ADHD, or autism. Still others might come from culturally diverse backgrounds or have experienced trauma that affects their ability to focus and engage in the classroom. Each of these students requires different kinds of support in order to succeed, and as teachers, we have the responsibility to create a classroom that meets them where they are. This doesn’t mean lowering our expectations or diluting our curriculum. Instead, it means using differentiated instruction to provide multiple paths to learning. By recognizing each student’s unique learning profile, we can build lessons that engage and challenge them in ways that are both meaningful and accessible. Let’s break this down a bit. Differentiation refers to the practice of tailoring instruction to meet the different needs of students. This can involve modifying the content(what students learn), the process(how they learn it), or the product(how they demonstrate their learning). In a classroom with diverse learners, differentiation ensures that all students, regardless of their background or ability, can access the curriculum and demonstrate growth. At its core, teaching diverse learners requires flexibility, creativity, and a deep understanding of your students. But before we dive into specific strategies, it’s important to first establish an environment of respect and inclusion. Students need to feel that they belong in your classroom, that their culture and identity are valued, and that their voices matter. Without this foundation, it’s difficult for any real learning to take place. Now that we’ve laid the groundwork for understanding diverse learners, let’s explore some effective strategies for meeting the needs of these students at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Let’s start with elementary school. At this level, children are still developing foundational skills in reading, writing, math, and social interactions. One of the most important strategies for supporting diverse learners in elementary classrooms is to use multimodal instruction. This means presenting information through a variety of formats—visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile. For example, when teaching math concepts, you might use manipulatives like blocks or counters for hands-on learners, while also showing visual models or diagrams for those who learn best through seeing. Similarly, for reading, you might pair text with pictures or audiobooks to support students who struggle with decoding or comprehension. Creating small group learning opportunities is also crucial in elementary school classrooms. Grouping students by ability, interest, or learning style allows you to provide targeted instruction that meets students’ individual needs. For example, during literacy time, you might have one group of students working on phonics skills with you while another group reads independently and a third practices vocabulary through a hands-on activity. This not only keeps students engaged but also ensures that each student receives instruction at their level. Culturally responsive teaching is another important aspect of supporting diverse learners at the elementary level. Incorporating books, examples, and content that reflect students’ cultural backgrounds helps them feel seen and valued. For example, if you’re teaching a unit on holidays, include celebrations from a variety of cultures. Invite students to share their own traditions, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual respect among classmates. As we move into middle school, students are facing new academic and social challenges. They’re developing more complex cognitive skills, and their social interactions are becoming increasingly important. In middle school, one of the most effective strategies for supporting diverse learners is project-based learning. This approach allows students to explore topics in depth, make connections to real-world issues, and take ownership of their learning. By offering students choices in how they demonstrate their knowledge—whether it’s through writing, creating a video, or designing a presentation—you’re allowing them to play to their strengths while still challenging them academically. Differentiation is just as important at the middle school level. Teachers can offer“tiered” assignments, where all students work on the same basic concept but at different levels of complexity. For example, in a science class, students might all be studying ecosystems, but one group might create a simple food web while another analyzes the impact of environmental changes on the ecosystem. This ensures that every student is working at a level that challenges them while also providing scaffolding for those who need it. Another key strategy for middle school is incorporating social-emotional learning. Many diverse learners face additional social and emotional challenges, whether it’s anxiety, trauma, or difficulties with peer relationships. Building time into your lessons for social-emotional learning activities: like journaling, mindfulness exercises, or peer discussions—can help students develop the skills they need to manage stress, communicate effectively, and build positive relationships. This is especially important in middle school, where social dynamics can be overwhelming for students who already feel“different.” In high school, supporting diverse learners becomes even more critical as students are preparing for life after graduation. One of the best ways to support diverse learners at this stage is by offering personalized learning paths. High school students have a wide range of interests, abilities, and future goals, so offering flexible learning options—like independent study projects, internships, or dual enrollment in community college courses: can help them stay engaged while also preparing them for their next steps. Technology can also play a significant role in supporting diverse learners in high school. Tools like adaptive learning software, speech-to-text programs, and visual learning aids can help students with disabilities or language barriers access the curriculum in new ways. For example, a student with dyslexia might use an audiobook for a reading assignment, while an English Language Learner might use a translation app to help them understand difficult vocabulary. Finally, high school teachers should focus on building strong relationships with their students. At this stage, students are often navigating multiple challenges: academic pressure, social identity, and future planning. Teachers who take the time to get to know their students, understand their unique strengths and challenges, and advocate for them when necessary can make a significant impact. Whether it’s offering additional support during office hours, connecting them with resources, or simply showing that you care, these relationships can be a lifeline for diverse learners. Now that we’ve covered strategies for supporting diverse learners in the classroom, let’s move into our bonus segment where we’ll answer a common question from parents: How can I support my child’s diverse learning needs at home? Parents often ask how they can best support their child’s learning at home, especially when their child has unique needs. The first step is communication: make sure you’re in regular contact with your child’s teacher or school team to understand what strategies are being used in the classroom and how you can reinforce them at home. If your child has an Individualized Education Program or five, oh, four plan, familiarize yourself with the accommodations they are receiving and ask how you can help support those accommodations in a home setting. Another key strategy is creating a structured environment. Many diverse learners, especially those with learning disabilities or ADHD, thrive with routine and predictability. Set up a consistent homework routine where your child works in a quiet, organized space with limited distractions. Break tasks into smaller chunks to prevent overwhelm, and offer positive reinforcement for completing tasks. For parents of English Language Learners, supporting language development at home is crucial. Encourage your child to read in both their home language and English. Watching movies or TV shows in English with subtitles can also help reinforce language skills in a relaxed setting. Most importantly, be patient and flexible. Every child learns differently, and it’s essential to celebrate their progress, no matter how small. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to try a different approach. The goal is to create an environment where your child feels supported, understood, and empowered to succeed. Todays episode take aways! Teaching diverse learners requires creativity, patience, and a deep understanding of each student’s individual needs. Whether you’re teaching in an elementary classroom, navigating the social dynamics of middle school, or preparing high school students for life beyond graduation, the strategies we’ve discussed today can help you build an inclusive classroom where all students have the opportunity to thrive. Thank you for joining us on this deep dive into strategies for supporting diverse learners on the Teaching with Valor Podcast. For more resources on how to create an inclusive classroom and support diverse learners, check out the links in our episode description. Join us next time, and remember, teaching isn’t about finding a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s about meeting students where they are, adapting, and growing alongside them. Keep learning, keep supporting, and keep teaching with valor!