International Education Studies; Vol. 11, No.

4; 2018
ISSN 1913-9020 E-ISSN 1913-9039
Published by Canadian Center of Science and Education

The Challenges of Using the Differentiated Instruction Strategy: A

Case Study in the General Education Stages in Saudi Arabia
Ali Tared Aldossari1
1
Department of Curriculum & Instruction, College of Education, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University,
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Correspondence: Ali Tared Aldossari, Department of Curriculum & Instruction, College of Education, Imam
Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. E-mail: [email protected]

Received: January 22, 2018 Accepted: February 25, 2018 Online Published: March 28, 2018
doi:10.5539/ies.v11n4p74 URL: https://doi.org/10.5539/ies.v11n4p74

Abstract
The study identifies the most important challenges facing general education male and female teachers in applying
the differentiated instruction strategy in different stages of education in the Eastern Province in the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia. To achieve this, the researcher designed a questionnaire consisting of 47 paragraphs on five axes. It
was distributed to 275 male and female teachers in Dammam city, after having verified its validity and stability,
The results indicate that the degree of the challenge of using the differentiated instruction strategy was medium
overall. The challenges related to students were ranked first, followed by challenges related to the school
environment, then the nature of the differentiated instruction, challenges related to teachers, and, finally,
challenges related to study courses.
However, the results were not statistically significant for the variable of the educational stage (primary,
intermediate, and secondary), although there were significant differences for the gender variable in favour of
males.
The study recommends creating a school environment that supports the use of a differentiated instruction strategy
and holding workshops for teachers to train them in differentiated instruction activities.
Keywords: differentiated instruction, challenges (obstacles), male and female teachers
1. Introduction and Theoretical Framework
The emphasis on quality over quantity in teaching is a result of the accumulation of expertise in various areas of
knowledge. The accumulation of knowledge is assisted in the modern era by technological development. However,
many challenges still face the education system because of the wide spectrum of students’ differences, needs and
concerns, and patterns of thinking. These differences require teachers to respond using a variety of approaches.
The teacher’s acquisition of basic teaching skills drives the process of education for the better, and enhances the
achievement of the goals set for the education process. In order to achieve the wider objectives of building and
developing societies through education, learners’ behaviours have to be changed, especially in line with
developments in research related to the brain, multiple intelligences and structural theory.
Against this background, the concept of differentiated instruction has emerged, and received considerable attention
within education systems. The focus has been boosted at relevant conferences, such as the World Conference on
Education held in Jomtien (1990), and educational conferences in the Kingdom of Bahrain (2010) and in the State
of Kuwait (2010), as well as by researchers, such as Al Raee (2014), Ahalise (2011), and Al Magrabe (2011), in the
field of education and psychology.
Educationalists have applied many terms to this type of instruction; it was termed “differentiated instruction” by
Obeedat and Abu-Al Semaid (2009), while Tkogko et al. (2008) referred to it as “varied instruction”, Attia called it
“differentiated teaching” (2009), and Al-Laqani and Gamal (2003) named it “contrast instruction”. However, all
the terms refer to one concept, which concerns the multi-level differences among learners.
Thus, Ziebell (2002) defines differentiated instruction as a way of teaching in which the teacher provides multiple
entries that meet the needs of each learner in the classroom, in order to maximize the students’ potentialities.
Similarly, Obeedat and Abu-Al Semaid (2009) define differentiated instruction as a way of teaching that aims to

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raise the level of all students, not just the students who have problems with achievement. It is a policy that takes
into account the characteristics of the individual and his/her previous experience and aims to increase their abilities
by providing an educational environment suitable for all students. Meanwhile, Campbell (2008) views
differentiated instruction as a series of measures to teach students with differing abilities in a single classroom. A
student-centred approach addresses their needs and is based on clear practices to improve the students’
achievements. Along the same lines, Koeze (2007) sees differentiated instruction as a set of the best practices in
teaching, teaching theories, and practices that support the students’ achievements, while Bantis (2008) defines it as
a teaching method, which varies depending on the teaching needs of students in multi-level and multi-abilities
classrooms. Equally, Attia (2009) defines differentiated instruction as an educational system that aims at achieving
one learning output through different educational procedures based on a multi-intelligence teaching strategy. Also,
Shukairat (2009) describes differentiated instruction as an instruction that takes into account the abilities and
experiences of all categories of learners in the classroom, and works to increase their achievement and develop
their abilities with an acceptable degree of performance, through dealing with each level in a manner appropriate to
their abilities and previous experiences. Finally, Kojek et al. (2008) define differentiated instruction as knowing
the different needs, tendencies, patterns of learning, preferences, prior knowledge, learning readiness and
linguistic level of students, and responding to these in the teaching process.
Based on these definitions, the researcher argues that differentiated instruction is a comprehensive approach for
learning and instruction. It stems from the assumption that teaching strategies need to be diversified and adapted to
suit the diversity of students’ needs in the classroom. Furthermore, this diversity in teaching methods requires
knowledge of the students’ needs and their preferred learning patterns. Accordingly, differentiated instruction is
not just a compilation of a set of teaching strategies, but is an excellent guide to learner-centred learning based on
content adaptation (what is taught), processes (how it is taught), and outputs (evaluation and instruction), with a
view to promoting integrated learner growth. The best method to fulfil the different needs of learners is to provide
the content of the curriculum in a variety of ways, as diversity is the best method through which learners acquire
the information, skills and concepts to be learned. Importantly, differentiated instruction requires the positive
participation of students in the planning process, implementation, evaluation and decision making (Kojak et al.,
2008).
Ellis et al. (2007), Good (2006), Hobson (2008), and Tolison (2008) suggest that differentiated instruction is based
on several assumptions and principles that can be summed up as follows:
• The students differ in their experience, knowledge, characteristics, abilities, and degree of response to
education.
• Achieving the level of learning required varies from one student to another; this requires different teaching
methods that are suitable for each student.
• An expert teacher can identify and appreciate individual differences among students and provide the
necessary learning environment for all students in a way that contributes to achieving the desired objectives.
• Instruction and evaluation are two interrelated processes.
• The process of instruction is participatory between the teacher and students.
• Hence, the teacher’s possession of the basic skills of teaching improves the process of instruction and
enhances the achievement of the objectives set for the process.
• To achieve the objectives of education in building and developing societies, the desired changes in the
behaviour of the learner are required. This is achieved by a teacher who disseminates learning material and
activities in way which positively encourages learners’ interests and attitudes.
2. The Research Problem
This study identifies the most important challenges that constrain the use of the differentiated instruction strategy,
according to the views of general education male and female teachers (primary, intermediate, secondary) in the
Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The research is in response to the wave of modernization in
the education system in general, and the adoption of modern teaching strategies in particular.
The research problem is identified through the following questions:
1) What are the main challenges of using differentiated instruction strategy, which are related to the school
environment?
2) What are the main challenges of using differentiated instruction strategy, which are related to male and
female teachers?

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3) What are the main challenges of using differentiated instruction strategy, which are related to the students?
4) What are the main challenges of using differentiated instruction strategy, which are related to school courses?
5) What are the main challenges of using differentiated instruction strategy, which are related to the nature of the
strategy itself?
6) Are there any statistically significant differences in the challenges of using a differentiated instruction
strategy according to the educational stage?
7) Are there any statistically significant differences in the challenges of using a gender-specific education
strategy?
3. Study Objectives
1) Identify the most important challenges that prevents the effective use of the differentiated instruction
strategy in the classroom environment.
2) Examine the significance of the differences between the mean response rates of the male and female
teachers to the challenges of using the differentiated instruction strategy, according to the variables of the
educational stage and gender.
4. Importance of the Study
The importance of this study arises from the following considerations:
1) It tackles the subject of differentiated instruction strategy, which is a subject of interest to psychologists and
educationalists.
2) It is consistent with the objectives of the general education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its vision that is
focused on students, who are at the centre of the learning and teaching process, and teaching through modern
strategies that a wide range of studies have proved effective.
3) The results of this study can help guide general education departments in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
towards the development of classroom environments that use modern teaching strategies.
4) This study provides a measure of the challenges that curtail the application of the differentiated instruction
strategy in the classroom, according to the view of the teachers of general education in the Eastern Province.
5. Limitations of the Study
1) Time limits: The research took place in the second semester of the Saudi academic year (2015/2016).
2) Locality limits: The research took place in general education schools in the city of Dammam in the Eastern
Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
3) Human limits: The research sample was male and female teachers in the general education stages in the city
of Dammam in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
4) Objective limits: The Challenge Questionnaire consists of 47 paragraphs divided into five challenges related
to the school environment, the teachers, the nature of the differentiated instruction strategy, the students, and
the school courses.
6. Operational Definitions
Differentiated instruction: This means to identify the needs, tendencies, patterns of learning, preferences, prior
knowledge, learning readiness and linguistic level of learners, and then to respond to these elements in the teaching
process (Kojak et al., 2008).
The challenges of using a differentiated instruction strategy: These are the factors or conditions that prevent
the efficient and effective use of the differentiated instruction strategy in the classroom environment. This was
determined operationally by the research questionnaire.
7. Methodology
7.1 Study Method
The study uses an analytical descriptive method, which is based on studying the phenomenon, quantifying it
digitally, and justifying the results.
7.2 Study Society
The study society consists of the 27,794 male and female teachers employed in the second semester of 2015/2016
in Dammam, Eastern Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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7.3 Study Sample

The study Instrument was applied to a sample of 275 male and female teachers in different general education
stages in Dammam according to the variables shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Distribution of sample by the study variables

Gender
Education Stage Total
Male Female

Primary 14 79 93

Intermediate 32 49 81

Secondary 80 21 101

Total 126 149 275

7.4 Study Instruments

A measure of the challenges of using the differentiated instruction strategy is achieved through the use of a
questionnaire prepared by the researcher. In its initial form it had 51 paragraphs, divided into five axes. Each
question had a five-fold response scale, according to the Likert scale—a very large degree, a large degree, a
medium degree, a small degree, and a very small degree. The scores were given marks ranging from 1 to 5,
according to the response. In order to judge the degree of the challenges, the averages were given the following
scale:
1.00 - 2.33 = low, 2.34 - 3.67 = medium, and higher than 3.67 = high.
The questionnaire paragraphs were distributed randomly before applying them to the targeted sample.
7.4.1 Validity of the Study Instrument
The method of logical honesty was used in order to verify the validity of the questionnaire. The questionnaire
sections were presented to a group of experienced and competent arbitrators in order to determine their opinion on
the validity and clarity of the paragraphs in relation to the educational and linguistic aspects of the research and to
suggest any amendments to the questionnaire. If the paragraphs obtained an agreement percentage of 80% and
above, they were accepted. In light of the feedback, the researcher made a number of amendments proposed by the
arbitrators, which included the exclusion of four paragraphs, and amending the language of certain paragraphs.
Finally, the final document consisted of 47 paragraphs across five axes.
7.4.2 Reliability of the Study Instrument
To ascertain the stability of the study scale, the internal consistency method was used by applying the scale to a
survey sample from outside the study. This consisted of 21 teachers. The stability coefficients were derived using
the Cronbach Alpha equation. The coefficient stability scale of the total mark was 0.89, which is an acceptable
value for the purposes of this study.
8. Study Results and Analysis
The first study question was: “What are the main challenges of using a differentiated instruction strategy related to
the school environment?”. To assess the answers the arithmetical averages, standard deviations and the relative
weight of the responses of the study sample members were extracted from the responses of the study sample. These
are shown in Table 2.

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Table 2. Challenges related to the school environment

Standard
Serial Statement Average Order
Deviation
1 Classrooms are not suitable for the implementation of a differentiated instruction strategy. 3.88 1.023 4
2 The overload of administrative responsibilities assigned to the teacher. 3.96 1.001 3
Lack of availability of educational equipment and Instruments to apply the differentiated
3 4.05 0.865 2
instruction strategy.
4 Density of students per classroom. 4.52 0.756 1
Lack of interest by the school administration in the need to use a differentiated instruction
5 2.53 1.101 8
strategy.
6 The school administration does not encourage teachers to apply modern teaching methods. 3.80 1.181 5
7 The continuous assessment system does not fit the use of a differentiated instruction strategy. 3.31 1.132 6
The lack of interest of the educational supervisor and his follow-up to the use of the
8 2.70 1.029 7
differentiated instruction strategy in teaching.
Average of the axis 3.59 1.113

It is clear from the data Table 2 that according to the respondents the biggest challenges facing male and female
teachers in the use of differentiated instruction strategies related to the school environment, “The density of
students per classroom”. The arithmetic mean is 4.52. The next biggest challenge as seen by the participants is
paragraph 3 “The lack of availability of educational equipment and Instruments to apply the differentiated
instruction strategy”, which has an arithmetic mean of 4.05. The challenge highlighted in paragraph 5 “The lack of
interest of the school administration of the need to use a differentiated instruction strategy” came in last with an
arithmetic mean of 2.53.
To answer the second question of the study, “What are the main challenges of using a differentiated instruction
strategy related to male and female teachers?”, the statistical averages, standard deviations and relative weight of
the responses of the study sample members were extracted for the paragraphs of this axis (see Table 3).

Table 3. Challenges related to male and female teachers

Standard
Serial Statement Average Order
Deviation
Failure to prepare the teacher before service in a way that suits the requirements of
1 4.11 1.901 1
differentiated instruction.
2 The teacher is used to using traditional teaching methods. 3.44 1.056 5
3 The teacher’s belief that differentiated instruction is an absurdity leading to chaos. 3.05 1.072 8
4 This type of instruction requires time and effort for preparation. 3.03 1.061 9
5 The employment of teachers who are educationally unqualified for the teaching profession. 3.02 1.118 10
6 The weakness of in-service training programs in developing teachers’ competencies. 3.69 1.181 3
Poor teachers’ knowledge and awareness of the differentiated instruction strategy and its
7 3.51 1.175 4
activities.
8 The teacher is not convinced of the importance of using modern teaching strategies. 3.21 1.25 6
The teacher believes that calmness and discipline inside the classroom can only be achieved
9 3.94 0.995 2
through traditional teaching methods.
10 The teacher’s lack of experience in using the differentiated instruction strategy. 2.96 1.110 11
The teacher fears that the school administration will not accept the use of a differentiated
11 2.35 0.956 12
instruction strategy with the students.
12 Not motivating a teacher who uses differentiated instruction strategies. 3.14 1.278 7
Average of the axis 3.28 1.174

It is clear from the data in Table 3 that according to the respondents the main challenge of using differentiated
instruction strategies related to teachers is paragraph 1 which stated: “Failure to prepare the teacher before service
in a way that suits the requirements of differentiated instruction”. This has an arithmetic mean of 4.11. Paragraph 9
“The teacher believes that calmness and discipline inside the classroom can only be achieved through traditional
teaching methods” came second with an arithmetic mean of 3.94, while the least challenging paragraph was 11,
“The teacher fears that the school administration will not accept the use of a differentiated instruction strategy with

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the students” with an arithmetic mean of 2.35.

To answer the third question of the study, “What are the main challenges of using a differentiated instruction
strategy related to students?” the statistical averages, standard deviations and relative weight of the responses of
the study sample members were extracted for the paragraphs of this axis, as shown in Table 4.

Table 4. Challenges related to students

Standard
Serial Statement Average Order
Deviation
1 Students’ weak motivation for learning. 3.56 0.995 7
2 The poor achievement of some students makes them prefer traditional methods. 3.57 1.072 6
Students find difficulty in adapting to the skills and activities of a differentiated instruction
3 2.95 0.986 8
strategy.
4 Students are used to traditional teaching strategies. 4.01 0.962 2
5 The differentiated instruction strategy is not suitable for slow learners. 3.38 1.026 4
6 Weakness of students’ conviction in using the differentiated instruction strategy. 4.03 1.171 1
7 Disparity in individual differences among students. 3.81 1.049 3
8 Students lack the culture of dialogue and discussion. 3.70 1.017 5
Average of axis 3.62 0.971

It is clear from the data shown in Table 4 that according to the respondents the greatest challenges of using of the
differentiated instruction strategy related to students is paragraph 6 “Weakness of students’ conviction in using the
differentiated instruction strategy”, which has an arithmetic mean of 4.03. In second place is paragraph 4 “Students
are used to traditional teaching strategies” with an arithmetic mean of 4.01. In last place is paragraph 3 “Students
find difficulty in adapting with the skills and activities of a differentiated instruction strategy” with an arithmetic
mean of 2.95.
To answer the fourth question of the study, “What are the main challenges of using a different differentiated
instruction strategy related to school courses?” the arithmetic averages, standard deviations and relative weight of
the responses of the study sample members were extracted for the paragraphs of this axis, as shown in Table 5.

Table 5. Challenges related to school courses

Standard
Serial Statement Average Order
Deviation
The Teacher’s Guide does not include explanations of how to use a differentiated instruction
1 3.74 1.084 1
strategy.
2 There are no model lessons for a differentiated instruction strategy. 3.71 1.021 2
The inadequacy of the differentiated instruction strategy for achieving the teaching
3 3.51 1.015 3
objectives of some courses.
The nature of the course content is difficult to teach using a differentiated instruction
4 3.44 1.110 5
strategy.
5 The design of school courses do not match or cope with a differentiated instruction strategy. 3.19 1.054 2
The objectives of the courses do not consider developing students’ research and thinking
6 2.79 1.200 7
skills.
The difficulty of transforming the school course according to the differentiated instruction
7 2.51 1.18 9
strategy.
The lack of course topics to present elements of thrill and excitement that promote
8 3.48 0.937 4
differentiated instruction.
9 Concentration of courses on cognitive aspects, prompting and memorization. 2.49 1.069 10
10 The difficulty of linking school courses to the practical life of students. 2.76 1.146 8
Average of axis 3.16 1.191

Table 5 shows that according to the respondents the most important challenge related to the school courses is
paragraph 1 “The Teacher’s Guide does not include explanations of how to use a differentiated instruction
strategy”, which has an arithmetic mean of 3.74. This is followed by paragraph 2 “There are no model lessons for

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a differentiated instruction strategy” with arithmetic mean of 3.71. The least challenging aspect in this axis
according to the respondents is paragraph 9 “Concentration of courses on cognitive aspects, prompting and
memorization” which has an arithmetic mean of 2.49.
To answer the fifth question of the study, “What are the main challenges of using a differentiated instruction
strategy that are related to the nature of the strategy itself?” the statistical averages, standard deviations and the
relative weight of the responses of the study sample members were extracted for the paragraphs of this axis, as
shown in Table 6.

Table 6. Challenges related to the nature of the differentiated instruction strategy

Standard
Serial Statement Average Order
Deviation
1 The teacher avoids using the differentiated instruction strategy because it takes a long time. 3.69 1.085 3
2 Teachers’ lack of knowledge of the differentiated instruction strategy. 3.60 1.1040 4
3 The use of a differentiated instruction strategy hampers the annual planning of the course. 3.42 1.154 7
4 The teacher avoids using a differentiated instruction strategy, as it requires great effort. 3.37 1.115 9
5 The high material cost of training and implementing this type of instruction. 3.39 1.103 8
The range and diversity of classroom activities associated with the differentiated instruction
6 3.52 0.921 5
strategy.
What this type of strategy requires students is to be familiar with the skills of scientific
7 3.76 0.828 2
research.
The need to train male and female teachers intensively to use the differentiated instruction
8 3.84 0.955 1
strategy.
Flexibility is a distinct characteristic of differentiated instruction classes, and it is difficult to
9 3.47 0.971 6
practice in traditional classes.
Average of axis 3.56 1.012

It is clear from the data in Table 6 that according to the respondents the greatest challenge related to the nature of
the strategy is paragraph 8 “The need to train male and female teachers intensively to use the differentiated
instruction strategy” with an arithmetic mean of 3.84. This is followed by paragraph 7 “What this type of strategies
requires from students is to be familiar with the skills of scientific research” with an arithmetic mean of 3.76. The
least challenging aspect in this axis according to the respondents is paragraph 4 “The teacher avoids using a
differentiated instruction strategy as it requires great effort” with an arithmetic mean of 3.37.
In order to determine the order of the axes, and to compare these axes, the arithmetic mean and the standard
deviation of each axis were extracted separately, as shown in Table 7.

Table 7. Challenges of using a differentiated instruction strategy by axis

Axis Average Standard Deviation Order
Challenges related to the school environment. 3.59 1.113 2
Challenges related to teachers. 3.28 1.174 4
Challenges related to students. 3.62 0.971 1
Challenges related to school courses. 3.16 1.191 5
Challenges related to the nature of the differentiated instruction strategy. 3.56 1.012 3

The data in Table 7 shows that according to the respondents the greatest challenges to the implementation of the
differentiated instruction strategy are those related to students, which have an arithmetic mean of 3.62. This is
followed by challenges related to the school environment, with an arithmetic mean of 3.59, then the challenges
related to the nature of the differentiated instruction strategy (arithmetic mean, 3.56), followed by the
teacher-related challenges (3.28). The least of the challenges according to the respondents related to school courses
with an arithmetic mean of 3.16.
The overall result of the challenges was medium, with an arithmetic mean of the total of challenges of 3.44. Thus,
this result is similar in terms of results to other studies, including Al-Rawadiyya (2001), Al-Humizi (2007) and
Al-Salim (2012).

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The researcher believes that this result may be due to the similarity of the central education system in general,
starting from the school environment, through the teachers and students to the courses and the nature of the
teaching strategy, being combined in the formation of some of the challenges that hinder the use of modern
teaching strategies in the classroom environment.
To answer the sixth study question, “Are there differences in the challenges of using a differentiated instruction
strategy according to the educational stage?”, the one-way analysis of variance was used to determine differences
among variables, as shown in Table 8.

Table 8. Differences in the challenges of using differentiated instruction strategies according to the educational
stage
Source of Degree of
Axis Total of Squares Squares Mean F Significance
Contrast freedom
Between
Challenges related to 170.140 85.070 2
groups
the school 1.760 0.174
Within
environment 13144.769 48.326 272
groups
Between
149.666 74.833 2
Challenges related to groups
1.733 0.179
teachers Within
11743.876 43.176 272
groups
Between
92.863 46.431 2
Challenges related to groups
1.622 0.199
students Within
7784.643 28.620 272
groups
Between
39.715 19.858 2
Challenges related to groups
0.633 0.532
courses Within
8526.830 31.349 272
groups
Challenges related to Between
83.929 41.964 2
the nature of the groups
1.318 0.269
differentiated Within
8659.948 31.838 272
instruction strategy groups

It is clear from the date in Table 8 that there are no statistically significant differences in the challenges of using the
differentiated instruction strategy according to the educational stage in the axes. This is consistent with the study of
Al-Hamizi (2007). The researcher attributes this to the challenges faced by male and female teachers in various
educational stages being similar. This due to the similarity of the educational and administrative policies followed
by the Ministry of Education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, whether at the primary, intermediate or secondary
levels.
To answer the seventh question of the study, “Are there differences in the challenges of using differentiated
instruction strategy according to gender (male and female)?” the t-test was calculated to indicate differences
between the two groups, as show in Table 9.

Table 9. Differences in the challenges of using differentiated instruction strategy according to gender
Standard
Challenges Gender Mean T-test Significance
Deviation
Males 6.07958 51.6842
Challenges related to the school environment 1.260 0.040
Females 7.51757 50.4846
Males 5.61694 41.1579
Challenges related to teachers 4.677 0.011
Females 6.84625 37.6335
Males 4.69766 29.0526
Challenges related to students 2.552 0.011
Females 5.70734 27.4472
Challenges related to courses Males 4.70226 27.0614 1.723 0.036

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Females 6.10483 25.8075

Males 4.82941 36.2193
Challenges related to the nature of the differentiated instruction strategy 2.004 0.046
Females 6.11923 34.8944

It is clear from the data in Table 9 that there are statistically significant differences between the genders in all the
challenges at the level of significance 0.05 in favour of males compared to females. This result differs from that of
Rawadiyah (2001) but is similar to the results of Rubaie (2015). The researcher attributes this result to the
difference in abilities and motivation of male teachers from female teachers, which contributed to their willingness
to adapt to the modern teaching strategies and use them in classrooms more effectively than their female
counterparts.
9. Conclusions
• The overall degree of challenges of using the differentiated instruction strategy was found to be medium.
• The main challenges highlighted by the participants related to the students, but challenges related to the
school environment and nature of the differentiated instruction strategy had almost similar scores.
• However, the challenges related to teachers and school courses were considered less problematical.
• The challenges with the highest average were density of students per classroom (4.52), failure to prepare the
teacher before service in a way that suits the requirements of differentiated instruction (4.11), lack of
availability of educational equipment and Instruments to apply the differentiated instruction strategy (4.05),
weakness of students’ conviction in using the differentiated instruction strategy (4.03), and students are used
to traditional teaching strategies (4.01).
• The challenges with the lowest average were the teacher fears that the school administration will not accept
the use of a differentiated instruction strategy with the students (2.35), and concentration of courses on
cognitive aspects, prompting and memorization (2.49).
• There are no statistically significant differences in the challenges of using the differentiated instruction
strategy according to the educational stage in the axes.
• There are statistically significant differences between the genders in all the challenges at the level of
significance 0.05 in favour of males compared to females.
• The importance of differentiated instruction strategy in the classroom environment is confirmed, which
supports theoretical literature.
10. Recommendations and Suggestions
• Holding workshops and training courses for teachers on how to implement the differentiated instruction
strategy, and provide them with practical models for the application of this strategy in school courses.
• Providing all means of support to encourage male and female teachers working in the field of education to use
modern teaching strategies, especially the differentiated instruction strategy.
• Educating principals and public education supervisors to the necessity of encouraging teachers to use modern
teaching strategies in classrooms.
• Conducting further studies on differentiated instruction and its application in higher education in the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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