Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Primary Education (PK–5) (OAE 057) Practice Exam

Which approach is most supportive of differentiated instruction in the classroom?

1. Setting the same learning goals for all students

2. Providing varied resources tailored to different learners

3. Conducting the same assessment for every student

4. Emphasizing standardized testing as a measure of success

The correct answer is: Providing varied resources tailored to different learners

Providing varied resources tailored to different learners is the most supportive approach to differentiated instruction in the classroom because it recognizes that students have diverse backgrounds, learning styles, interests, and abilities. Differentiated instruction aims to tailor educational experiences to meet those varying needs, enhancing engagement and facilitating deeper understanding. By offering varied resources, such as different reading materials, multimedia tools, or hands-on activities, teachers can create opportunities for all students to access the curriculum in a way that aligns with their individual strengths and learning preferences. This approach encourages student motivation and fosters a more inclusive classroom environment, where every student feels valued and empowered to learn at their own pace. In contrast, the other options do not support differentiated instruction as effectively. Setting the same learning goals for all students may overlook individual differences, conducting the same assessment for every student ignores the distinct ways in which students demonstrate understanding, and emphasizing standardized testing can limit the scope of learning to what can be measured rather than fostering a rich and adaptable educational experience for each student.