Mitra PGMI: Jurnal Kependidikan MI
Vol. 12 No. 2 (2026): Mitra PGMI: Jurnal Kependidikan MI

Implementation of differentiated instruction in primary schools: A literature review of trends, challenges, and development strategies

Muhammad Rifqi Maulana (Universitas Al-Falah As-Sunniyyah, Jember, East Java, Indonesia)
Dukan Jauhari Faruq (Universitas Al-Falah As-Sunniyyah, Jember, East Java, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study aimed to examine implementation trends, identify challenges, and formulate development strategies for differentiated instruction in primary schools. An integrative literature review with a descriptive qualitative approach was conducted on 30 scholarly articles published between 2022 and 2025. Articles were selected based on their relevance to primary education, methodological clarity, full-text availability, and source traceability. Data were mapped using a literature matrix and analyzed through narrative thematic analysis. The findings indicate that differentiated instruction is commonly implemented through needs assessment and adaptations to content, process, and product across subjects. Most studies reported positive trends in students’ academic achievement, engagement, collaboration, self-confidence, and critical and creative thinking, although the strength of evidence varied across contexts and research designs. Key challenges included gaps between teachers’ conceptual understanding and classroom practice, limited diagnostic assessment skills, time constraints, classroom management, instructional resources, assessment complexity, and inadequate institutional support. Effective strategies include sustained teacher training and mentoring, professional learning communities, formative assessment, flexible grouping, adaptive materials, and supportive school leadership. Overall, differentiated instruction should be implemented as a continuous pedagogical process that integrates teacher capacity, adaptive instructional design, and institutional support.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

mitra-pgmi

Publisher

Subject

Education

Description

Mitra PGMI adalah jurnal tentang Pendidikan MI, yang memuat gagasan konseptual, review buku, hasil penelitian, dan studi naskah kependidikan. Adapun yang menjadi Focus dan Scope kajian Jurnal Mitra PGMI adalah: 1. Pembelajaran MI/SD 2. Penelitian Tidakan Kelas MI/SD 3. Media Pembelajaran berbasis ...