Differentiated Instruction and Inclusive Assessment in Education: A Literature Review of Practices, Challenges, and Implementation Strategies

Authors

  • Yustina Ici Magister Pendidikan Bahasa Indonesia Universitas Tanjungpura Pontianak Kalimantan Barat, Indonesia
  • Antonius Totok Priyadi Universitas Tanjungpura Pontianak Kalimantan Barat, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26811/didaktika.v10i1.2057

Abstract

This systematic review explores the implementation of differentiated instruction and inclusive assessment in education through a review of 18 recent empirical articles (2020-2025). The gap phenomenon underlying this research is the gap between normative commitments to inclusive education and the reality of classroom practice, where pedagogical aspects such as differentiated instruction and inclusive assessment have not been optimally integrated. The novelty of this research lies in the development of an integrated framework that synergizes three key elements of innovative practice, implementation challenges, and effective strategies with a specific focus on the synergy between differentiated instruction and inclusive assessment. The research method uses a systematic review approach with PRISMA guidelines to identify, select, and evaluate literature from the Scopus, ScienceDirect, and PubMed databases. Key findings reveal: (1) the complexity of challenges that include teacher competency gaps and systemic limitations; (2) the success of collaborative models and integrated pedagogical frameworks in creating inclusive learning; and (3) critical supporting factors in the form of continuous professional development and strategic partnerships. The conclusion of this study confirms that successful implementation requires an integrated approach that includes strengthening teacher pedagogical competencies, optimizing systemic support, and developing multi-stakeholder collaboration. The implementation of this integrated framework is expected to enrich inclusive education practices that are more responsive and equitable.

 

Author Biography

  • Yustina Ici, Magister Pendidikan Bahasa Indonesia Universitas Tanjungpura Pontianak Kalimantan Barat, Indonesia

    YUSTINA CARICI MAGISTER PBI UNIVERSITAS TANJUNGPURA PONTIANAK

References

Adiguzel, T., Capa-Aydin, Y., & Akbas, U. (2021). Teachers' Implementation of Differentiated Instruction: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 58(8), 1247–1277. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.21709.

Atmacasoy, A., Akar, H., & Gogolin, I. (2025). Challenging Homogeneity : Migration-Related Learner Characteristics in Refugee-Only and Mixed-Migrant Destination Language Classes in Türkiye and Germany. International Journal of Educational Research, 134, 102-780. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2025.102780.

Bi, M., Struyven, K., & Zhu, C. (2023). Variables that Influence Teachers’ Practice of Differentiated Instruction in Chinese Classrooms: A Study From Teachers’ Perspectives. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 112-259. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1124259.

Birot-Gautron, K., Kohout-Diaz, M., & Deyrich, M. C. (2025). Inclusive Professional Practices of Primary School Teachers in Multigrade Classes in France Catering for Pupils with Special Educational Needs. International Journal of Educational Research, 131, 102598. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2025.102598.

Bjerke, A. H., Dalland, C., Mausethagen, S., & Knudsmoen, H. (2025). Negotiating Performative and Professional Accountability in Inclusive Mathematics Education in Norway. International Journal of Educational Research, 129, 102518. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2024.102518.

Chaiklin, S. (2003). The zone of proximal development in Vygotsky's analysis of learning and instruction. In A. Kozulin, B. Gindis, V. S. Ageyev, & S. M. Miller (Eds.), Vygotsky's educational theory in cultural context (pp. 39–64). Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511840975.004

Du Plessis, A. E., Matthews, J., Mainsbridge, C., Razmjoee, M., & Gorry, D. (2025). Examining Attributes of Preservice Teachers’ Vulnerability: Exploring Challenging Lived Experiences During Professional Experience Placements. International Journal of Educational Research, 134, 102832. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer. 2025.102832.

Estaiteyeh, M., & Decoito, I. (2023). Planning for Differentiated Instruction : Empowering Teacher Candidates in STEM Education. Canadian Journal of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, 23(1), 5–26. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42330-023-00270-5.

Fosse, B. O., & Scheie, J. T. (2021). Preparing Student Teachers to Teach in Diverse Classrooms: A Comparative Case Study of Two Teacher Education Programmes. Acta Didactica Norden, 15(3), 1-25. https://doi.org/10.5617/adno.8362

Gelizon, M. J. B. (2024). Qualitative Exploration in Mainstreaming Classroom Inclusivity Through the Lenses of Anti-Bias Education (ABE). Environment and Social Psychology, 9(11). https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v9i11.3233.

Kapcia, S. (2024). Enabling access: Reflecting on Inclusive Education Practice. Support for Learning, 39(4), 203-207. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9604.12506.

Lee, T. K., & Hung, A. C. Y. (2025). Implementing Differentiated Instruction Through Lesson Study: Reflections from Taiwanese EFL Teachers. International journal of educational research, 133, 102720. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2025.102720.

Maguvhe, M. O., & Mpya, N. G. (2025). Examining the Importance of Educators’ and Other Stakeholders’ Assessment Practices for Senior Phase Learners Experiencing Barriers to Learning. South African Journal of Education, 45(2), 1-16. https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-educat_v45_n2_a5

Zaier, A., & Maina, F. (2022). Assessing Preservice Teachers' Perceptions and Practices to Differentiate Instruction for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students in Secondary Classrooms. International Journal of Multicultural Education, 24(2), 1-16. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1358148

Morphett, A., O'Keeffe, L., & Paige, K. (2025). Researching Mathematics in Rural Primary Multigrade Classrooms. International Journal of Educational Research, 131, 102595. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2025.102595.

Mullick, J., Wang, Q., Vlcek, S., & Sikder, S. (2025). " The Possibility of Meeting the Needs of All Children": A Framework for Enhancing Inclusive STEAM Pedagogy in Early Childhood Settings. International Journal of Educational Research, 133, 102705. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2025.102705.

Obrovská, J., Svojanovský, P., Kratochvílová, J., Lojdová, K., Tůma, F., & Vlčková, K. (2024). Promises and Challenges of Differentiated Instruction as Pre-Service Teachers Learn to Address Pupil Diversity. Journal of Education for Teaching, 50(3), 403-420. https://doi.org/10.1080/02607476.2023.2247356.

Peltonen, T., & Kilpeläinen, R. (2025). Training of Village School Teachers in Finland: Multi-Grade Teaching and Inclusion. International Journal of Educational Research, 133, 102685. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2025.102685.

Selçuk, A. A. (2019). A Guide for Systematic Reviews: PRISMA. Turkish Archives of Otorhinolaryngology, 57(1), 57–58. https://doi.org/10.5152/tao.2019.4058.

Tomlinson, C. A. (2017). Differentiated Instruction. In Fundamentals of Gifted Education (pp. 279–292). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315639987

Vygotsky, L., & Cole, M. (2018). Lev Vygotsky: Learning and social constructivism. Learning Theories for Early Years Practice. UK: SAGE Publications Inc, 68–73. https://www.scirp.org/reference/referencespapers?referenceid=2557918

Wilson, J. D. (2017). Reimagining Disability and Inclusive Education Through Universal Design for Learning. Disability Studies Quarterly, 37(2). https://doi.org/10.18061/dsq.v37i2.5417

Witter, M., & Brunzell, T. (2025). Teachers’ Self-Efficacy Beliefs About Trauma-Informed Education Practices. International Journal of Educational Research, 131, 102589. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2025.102589.

Published

2026-03-30

How to Cite

Ici, Y., & Priyadi, A. T. (2026). Differentiated Instruction and Inclusive Assessment in Education: A Literature Review of Practices, Challenges, and Implementation Strategies. Jurnal Didaktika Pendidikan Dasar, 10(1), 229-244. https://doi.org/10.26811/didaktika.v10i1.2057