Differentiated learning in numeracy and mathematics (2015): Briefing 1

Published 01/01/2017.  Last updated 11/04/2023
sourceKnowledge and research schoolNumeracy and Mathematics categoryScottish Attainment Challenge

​About the research

How was the research carried out?

The briefing draws on a range of existing research including small and large scale studies and reviews. The majority of research comes from the USA.

What are the strengths of the research methodology?

Although this is not a comprehensive overview of the research in this area, it is designed to be a useful starting point in becoming familiar with relevant research.

What is the context for this research?

This briefing was produced to support professional reflection as part of the Scottish Attainment Challenge. Education Scotland’s Corporate Plan explicitly seeks to develop capacity in promoting the translation of knowledge into action for systematic improvement.

Reflective questions

The following questions may provide a stimulus for discussion:

  • In what ways do you differentiate for learning in numeracy and mathematics within your classroom? What range of strategies do you use?
  • How do you know these strategies are effective?
  • Are your learners aware of what differentiation is and how it can support them in their learning?
  • In what ways are you meeting the learning needs of children from disadvantaged backgrounds within your class or school?

About the author(s)

The briefing was developed by the Analytical Services Team at Education Scotland, working in partnership with educational staff with responsibility for mathematics and numeracy.

Related research/reading

Education Scotland – National Numeracy Progression Framework​

Ministry of Education, Ontario (Canada) – Differentiating Mathematics Instruction – Capacity Building Guide (PDF)

Education Endowment Foundation – Setting or streaming

Disclaimer

This briefing is not a comprehensive overview of published research in a particular area. Nor is it a definitive statement of policy or a recommendation to adopt a particular approach.

Full reference

Education Scotland (2015). Differentiated Learning in Numeracy and Mathematics: Briefing 1. Livingston: Education Scotland.

Full research article

PDF file: Briefing 1: Differentiated learning in numeracy and mathematics (215 KB)

^ Back to top

Differentiated learning in numeracy and mathematics (2015): Briefing 1

Published 01/01/2017.  Last updated 11/04/2023
sourceKnowledge and research schoolNumeracy and Mathematics categoryScottish Attainment Challenge

​About the research

How was the research carried out?

The briefing draws on a range of existing research including small and large scale studies and reviews. The majority of research comes from the USA.

What are the strengths of the research methodology?

Although this is not a comprehensive overview of the research in this area, it is designed to be a useful starting point in becoming familiar with relevant research.

What is the context for this research?

This briefing was produced to support professional reflection as part of the Scottish Attainment Challenge. Education Scotland’s Corporate Plan explicitly seeks to develop capacity in promoting the translation of knowledge into action for systematic improvement.

Reflective questions

The following questions may provide a stimulus for discussion:

  • In what ways do you differentiate for learning in numeracy and mathematics within your classroom? What range of strategies do you use?
  • How do you know these strategies are effective?
  • Are your learners aware of what differentiation is and how it can support them in their learning?
  • In what ways are you meeting the learning needs of children from disadvantaged backgrounds within your class or school?

About the author(s)

The briefing was developed by the Analytical Services Team at Education Scotland, working in partnership with educational staff with responsibility for mathematics and numeracy.

Related research/reading

Education Scotland – National Numeracy Progression Framework​

Ministry of Education, Ontario (Canada) – Differentiating Mathematics Instruction – Capacity Building Guide (PDF)

Education Endowment Foundation – Setting or streaming

Disclaimer

This briefing is not a comprehensive overview of published research in a particular area. Nor is it a definitive statement of policy or a recommendation to adopt a particular approach.

Full reference

Education Scotland (2015). Differentiated Learning in Numeracy and Mathematics: Briefing 1. Livingston: Education Scotland.

Full research article

PDF file: Briefing 1: Differentiated learning in numeracy and mathematics (215 KB)

^ Back to top