Tackling obstacles in implementing differentiation in Dutch secondary schools: a case study

Abstract

Education aims to serve all students to their personal developmental needs. In order to attain this adjustment, teachers using differentiation techniques are a key requisite. These techniques are widely present nowadays, but are too often directed towards children lagging behind. Several obstacles appear to impede differentiation aiming gifted and talented students, such as lack of time, no organizational support, lack of confidence, fear for discrimination and ignorance of its importance. Nevertheless, some schools appear to have effective specialized programs for these children. By conducting interviews with teachers, a school leader and participating and non-participating students, this case study will examine how these impediments can be overcome to successfully implement differentiation directed towards gifted and talented students.