“Differentiation is Sometimes a Hit and Miss”. Educator Perceptions of Differentiated Instruction in the Higher Education Sector

Abstract Differentiated instruction is an effective means of addressing student diversity, and is increasingly being adopted by educators within the higher education sector. However, the global pandemic and changes to content delivery have altered the educational landscape. Hybridised delivery has resulted in the need for more innovative and contemporary means of accommodating student diversity, to suit both in-situ and remote learning platforms. Additionally, increasing student diversity in higher education has prompted a rethinking of how to accommodate student variance. This qualitative study sought to gauge the views of four educators, who were faced with hybridisation of content delivery during the global pandemic. Led by an overarching objective of ascertaining educator perceptions, responses and attitudes toward differentiated instruction, the study utilised four in-depth case studies to reflect on the implementation of differentiated instruction in the higher education sector. Results from this qualitative analysis yielded the view that time constraints, the coverage of prescribed content and increasing student diversity continue to act as barriers to authentic differentiation. While all showcased educators embraced the underlying philosophy of differentiating instruction to suit student needs, many were hampered by administrative duties which compromised their time and effort with regard to differentiation.