The Effectiveness of Differentiated Instruction Training in Enhancing Early Childhood Teachers^ Competence in Inclusive Classrooms
Nurul Afrianti, Erhamwilda, Masnipal, Huriah Rachmah, Jeane, Eko Surbiantoro

Universitas Islam Bandung

Abstract

Inclusive education in early childhood settings requires teachers to have adaptive teaching strategies that accommodate the diverse needs of learners, including children with special needs. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of differentiated instruction training in improving the competence of early childhood education (ECE) teachers in managing inclusive classrooms. The training was carried out in Tamansari Village, Bandung Wetan Subdistrict, and involved 16 PAUD teachers with no formal background in special education. The intervention included a structured series of activities: conceptual workshops on inclusive education and differentiated learning, simulation of inclusive classroom practices, microteaching sessions, and guided lesson plan (RPP) development based on the Merdeka Curriculum. To assess the effectiveness, a pretest-posttest design was applied using a Likert-scale scoring rubric with a maximum score of 20.
The results revealed a statistically significant improvement in teachers^ competence. The average score increased from 10.00 (SD=2.34) before training to 18.56 (SD=1.09) after training, with a p-value of <0.0001 based on paired t-test analysis. Teachers reported increased understanding of various types of special needs, improved ability to adapt instructional strategies, and enhanced confidence in managing inclusive classrooms. The study confirms that targeted training in differentiated instruction not only builds pedagogical competence but also fosters an inclusive mindset. It is recommended that similar training programs be integrated into teacher professional development frameworks to promote equitable and inclusive education in early childhood settings.

Keywords: differentiated instruction, inclusive education, early childhood, teacher training

Topic: Innovative Education in the Digital Era