Tell me about a time you adapted a lesson for students at very different levels in the same class.

What the interviewer is looking for

• This question tests differentiated instruction. Gives specific examples of scaffolds, grouping, extensions and accommodations for different learners.
• What to bring out: Specific scaffolds, flexible grouping, tiered tasks or extensions, accommodations for students with plans or language needs, and evidence it worked.
• Expect a follow-up like: How did you keep it manageable for yourself?

Another way it may be asked: In one class some students were well ahead and others well behind. How did you teach the same lesson to all of them?

A structure to follow: STAR, with the weight on Action and Result

1. Step 1

   Situation

   One or two sentences: where, when and what was at stake. Pick a real example you were close to.

2. Step 2

   Task

   What you personally were responsible for. Say "I", not only "we", so the differentiated instruction you showed is visible.

3. Step 3

   Action

   The two or three things you did and why you chose them over the alternatives. This should be about half your answer.

4. Step 4

   Result

   What changed, in your own measure of it, and what you would do differently. Only use numbers you can stand behind.

This is guidance on shape, not a script. Use your own real experience and facts; never invent details to fill a gap. See the STAR guide and answer frameworks.

Common slips

• Describing what the team did without saying what you did.
• Choosing an example with no clear outcome, or one you cannot answer detailed questions about.
• Ending on the action and skipping the result and what you learned.

How to practise it

Write two bullet points for each STAR letter, then say the answer aloud in about two minutes.

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