Best Practices for Diverse Learners – And Why Co-Creation Belongs in the Conversation

Best Practices for Diverse Learners

In every classroom, there’s a beautiful variety of learners—different languages, experiences, learning needs, and ways of expressing what they know. As teachers, we’re tasked with reaching them all, and that’s no small feat. The good news? Research and practice give us a strong foundation of best practices that work across contexts—especially for English language learners (ELLs), neurodiverse students, and those from culturally diverse backgrounds.

But here’s where I want to zoom in: while we talk a lot about differentiation, engagement, and scaffolding, we often leave out one game-changing practice that has the power to transform the classroom climate and student outcomes—co-creation.

Let’s start with the basics, then move into the vision.

Tried-and-True Practices That Support All Learners

Based on both my research and teaching experience, these instructional strategies consistently support diverse learners:

1. Multimodal Instruction

Incorporating visuals, movement, sound, and hands-on learning doesn’t just make lessons more engaging—it makes learning stick. For example, anchor charts, vocabulary walls, and role-playing activities allow students to process language and concepts in multiple ways.

2. Cooperative Structures

Routines like Turn-and-Talks, Think-Pair-Share, or jigsaw activities create low-risk opportunities for students—especially ELLs—to use academic language, clarify understanding, and develop social confidence.

3. Culturally Responsive Content

From using literature that reflects students’ backgrounds to integrating their home languages or community issues into lessons, these practices signal: you belong here. The goal is to reflect students in the curriculum, not just in token moments but as an ongoing lens.

4. Consistent Routines and Visual Schedules

Students thrive when they can predict what’s coming next. Visual daily schedules, color-coded materials, and shared anchor routines help reduce cognitive overload and build independence.

But even when all these strategies are in place, one thing can still be missing: student voice.

Adding the Missing Piece: Co-Creation

Here’s the idea: What if students helped decide how they want to learn, what they want to focus on within the standards, and how they want to show what they know?

That’s co-creation in action—and it's a practice I’ve been exploring more deeply in my curriculum work and vision for classroom equity.

Co-creation isn’t just about giving students “free choice.” It’s about structured opportunities for collaborative decision-making around learning goals, assessment options, and classroom norms. When students are invited to shape the learning experience, something shifts. They take ownership. They invest more. And often, they surprise us with ideas we never would have thought of.

Here are just a few entry points for co-creation:

• 💬 Letting students co-design final projects (e.g., poster, slideshow, skit, or podcast)

• 🧭 Offering flexible pathways through a unit with different inquiry questions

• 🗓️ Planning part of a class schedule together

• 🗣️ Having regular class meetings where students share what’s working and what they need

Why Co-Creation Belongs with Best Practices

• It reinforces UDL principles—multiple means of expression, engagement, and representation.

• It increases motivation and self-efficacy, especially in students who often feel disempowered.

• It aligns with culturally responsive teaching by centering student identity, experience, and voice.

Most importantly? It’s not just inclusive—it’s transformative.

Final Thoughts

As teachers, we’re always navigating a tension between standards and flexibility, planning and responsiveness. Co-creation doesn’t mean letting go of goals—it means reaching them with our students, not just for them.

When paired with multimodal, responsive instruction, co-creation is the thread that ties it all together. It empowers students to become partners in the learning process—critical thinkers, creators, and collaborators.

Let’s keep the best practices—and let’s make space for the new ones that truly reflect the students we teach today.