INSTRUCTORS’ KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION: THE CASE OF COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES, BAHIR DAR UNIVERSITY

The purpose of the study was to investigate instructors’ knowledge, attitude and practice of differentiated instruction in the case of college of Education and Behavioral Sciences of Bahir Dar University. The study employed qualitative research method with case study design. The participants were dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences Bahir Dar University. The participants were purposively selected. Interview and FGD were used to collect data in this study. The data obtained were analyzed and interpreted through narration using data driven categories.The results of the analysis showed that instructors have positive attitude towards DI. But, they showed inadequate knowledge of DI and the elements of DI were not properly practiced yet as expected for a number of reasons. It was then concluded that the prevailing practice of DI was poor. In addition to this, the trend of using the lecture method frequently and assessing students based on paper and pencil tests as mere modes of teaching and assessment were emphasized at the College. To overcome this, it was suggested that the current mode of teaching which focuses on the traditional lecture method should be minimized and complemented with the implementation of other indirect instructional strategies. Moreover, the actual context of the college and its influence on the teaching-learning process should be given due attention.