This is an outdated version published on 11/17/2025. Read the most recent version.

Differentiated Instruction Management for Enhancing Student Well-Being in Unggulan Aisyiyah Bantul Primary School

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23917/varidika.v38i1.11217

Keywords:

management, differentiated instruction, student well-being

Abstract

Unggulan Aisyiyah Primary School, as a flagship Sekolah Penggerak in Bantul Regency, has consistently implemented differentiated instruction within the Merdeka Curriculum. However, while previous studies have widely examined differentiated instruction as a teaching strategy, limited research has focused on how it is managed systematically to foster student well-being in primary schools. This study addresses this gap by asking: How is differentiated instruction managed to enhance student well-being in a primary school context? The objective is to formulate a contextual management model that supports students’ cognitive, social, and emotional well-being. A descriptive qualitative approach was used, involving interviews with the principal, the vice principal for curriculum, two fourth-grade teachers, and two students, complemented by classroom observations and document analysis. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis procedures, including coding, theme development, and interpretation. The findings reveal that differentiated instruction management aligns with Tomlinson’s framework and encompasses four components: planning, organizing, implementation, and supervision. Planning involves identifying student needs and collaborative module preparation through team teaching. Organizing focuses on flexible grouping and creating a positive learning environment. Implementation uses multi-method and multi-source instructional strategies tailored to student profiles. Supervision is conducted through coaching, counseling, and mentoring to ensure continuous improvement. This model highlights that effective differentiated instruction management can enhance student engagement, social interaction, and emotional security, thus strengthening student well-being. Strengthening implementation requires practical guidelines, sustained mentoring, time management, and collaboration with psychological support professionals.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Acton, Karen S. (2020). School leaders as change agents: Do principals have the tools they need? Management in Education, 35(1), 43–51. https://doi.org/10.1177/0892020620927415

Amimah, Z., Siswanto, J., & Ismartiningsih, I. (2024). Efektifitas Pada Pembelajaran Berdiferensiasi Berbantu Multimedia Untuk Mewujudkan Class Well-Being. Innovative: Journal Of Social Science Research, 4(3), 10322–10334. https://doi.org/10.31004/innovative.v4i3.10319

Bahufite, E., Kasonde-Ng’andu, S., & Akakandelwa, A. (2023). The relationships between learners’ academic achievement due to the use of constructivist methods in physical science and their self-esteem in zambian secondary schools. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 8(1), 100632. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2023.100632

Cahyono, M. Y. M., Chrisantiana, T. G., & Theresia, E. (2021). Peran Student Well-Being dan School Climate terhadap Prestasi Akademik pada Siswa SMP Yayasan “X” Bandung. Humanitas (Jurnal Psikologi), 5(1), 1–16.

Fauzia, R., & Hadikusuma Ramadan, Z. (2023). Implementasi Pembelajaran Berdiferensiasi Dalam Kurikulum Merdeka. Jurnal Educatio FKIP UNMA, 9(3), 1608–1617. https://doi.org/10.31949/educatio.v9i3.5323

Ferdiyanto, F., & Muhid, A. (2020). Stres akademik pada siswa: Menguji peranan iklim kelas dan school well-being. Persona: Jurnal Psikologi Indonesia, 9(1), 140–156.

Gearhart, C. A., Blaydes, M., & McCarthy, C. J. (2022). Barriers to and Facilitators for Teachers’ Wellbeing. Frontiers in Psychology, 13(May), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.867433

Gheyssens, E., Coubergs, C., Griful-Freixenet, J., Engels, N., & Struyven, K. (2022). Differentiated instruction: the diversity of teachers’ philosophy and praxis to adapt teaching to students’ interests, readiness and learning profiles. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 26(14), 1383–1400. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2020.1812739

Ginanto, D., Kesuma, A. T., Anggraena, Y., & Setiyowati, D. (2024). Panduan Pembelajaran dan Asesmen (Edisi Revisi Ke-2). Badan Standar, Kurikulum Dan Asesmen Pendidikan (BSKAP) Kementrian Pendidikan, Kebudayaan, Riset Dan Teknologi.

Hasanah, E., Al Ghazy, M. I., Suyatno, S., Maryani, I., & Mohd Yusoff, M. Z. (2023). Unlocking Classroom Potential: Exploring the Mediating Role of Teacher Mindset on Embracing Differentiated Instruction. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 22(10), 433–452. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.22.10.24

Hasanah, E., Suyatno, S., Maryani, I., Badar, M. I. Al, Fitria, Y., & Patmasari, L. (2022). Conceptual Model of Differentiated-Instruction (DI) Based on Teachers; Experiences in Indonesia. Education Sciences, 12(10), 650. https://doi.org/10.3390/EDUCSCI12100650

Heywood, P. (2005). Learning joyfully: An emotional and transformative experience. Melbourne Studies in Education, 46(1), 33–44. https://doi.org/10.1080/17508480509556414

Kirk, G., & and Jay, J. (2018). Supporting Kindergarten Children’s Social and Emotional Development: Examining the Synergetic Role of Environments, Play, and Relationships. Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 32(4), 472–485. https://doi.org/10.1080/02568543.2018.1495671

Kristiani, H., Susanti, E. I., Purnamasari, N., Purba, M., Saad, M. Y., & Anggaeni. (2021). Model Pengembangan Pembelajaran Berdiferensiasi.

Labordo, D. C. (2024). Assessing the Influence of Differentiated Instruction on Enhancing Reading Comprehension Skills among Learners: A Quasi-Experimental Study. New English Teacher, 18(2), 13–28.

Ling, X., Chen, J., Chow, D. H. K., Xu, W., & Li, Y. (2022). The “Trade-Off” of Student Well-Being and Academic Achievement: A Perspective of Multidimensional Student Well-Being. Frontiers in Psychology, 13(March), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.772653

Malikah, S., Winarti, W., Ayuningsih, F., Nugroho, M. R., Sumardi, S., & Murtiyasa, B. (2022). Manajemen Pembelajaran Matematika pada Kurikulum Merdeka. Edukatif : Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan, 4(4), 5912–5918. https://doi.org/10.31004/edukatif.v4i4.3549

Maryani, I., Ristiyati, & Suyatno. (2023). Differentiated Insruction in Mover Kindergarten: a Model Implementation With Kurikulum Merdeka. Journal of Childhood Care And Education, 6(2), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.26555/jecce.v6i1.8775

Maryani, I., & Suyatno, S. (2023). Differentiated Instruction in Indonesian Private Kindergartens: Challenges in Implementing an Independent Curriculum. International Journal of Educational Management and Innovation, 4(3), 2716–2338. https://doi.org/10.12928/ijemi.v4i3.8967

Naeem, M., Ozuem, W., Howell, K., & Ranfagni, S. (2023). A Step-by-Step Process of Thematic Analysis to Develop a Conceptual Model in Qualitative Research. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 22, 16094069231205788. https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069231205789

Naibaho, D. P. (2023). Strategi Pembelajaran Berdiferensiasi Mampu Meningkatkan Pemahaman Belajar Peserta Didik. Journal of Creative Student Research, 1(2), 81–91.

Nganga, L., Nydam, A., & Kambutu, J. (2025). Goal Setting for Teacher Development: Enhancing Culturally Responsive, Inclusive, and Social Justice Pedagogy. In Education Sciences (Vol. 15, Issue 3). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15030264

Nurhikmah. (2021). Educational Management Functions : Planning ,. Intiha: Islamic Education Journal, 1(2), 82–91. https://jurnal.staidaf.ac.id/intiha/article/view/293/127

Peterson, Jean S. (2019). Presenting a Qualitative Study: A Reviewer’s Perspective. Gifted Child Quarterly, 63(3), 147–158. https://doi.org/10.1177/0016986219844789

Pitaloka, H., & Arsanti, M. (2022). Pembelajaran Diferensiasi dalam Kurikulum Merdeka. Seminar Nasional Pendidikan Sultan Agung Ke-4, November, 2020–2023. https://jurnal.unissula.ac.id/index.php/sendiksa/article/view/27283

Pollard, E. L., & Lee, P. D. (2003). Child well-being: A systematic review of the literature. Social Indicators Research, 61, 59–78. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/A:1021284215801

Pozas, M., Letzel, V., Lindner, K. T., & Schwab, S. (2021). DI (Differentiated Instruction) Does Matter! The Effects of DI on Secondary School Students’ Well-Being, Social Inclusion and Academic Self-Concept. Frontiers in Education, 6(December), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2021.729027

Prihatini, R. S. T. (2023). Pembelajaran Berdiferensiasi Dalam Konteks Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam Di SMP: Kajian Literatur. Pendekar: Jurnal Pendidikan Berkarakter, 1(6), 179–186.

Rahmawati, D. N. U., & Puspita, R. D. (2020). Penerapan manajemen pembelajaran di sekolah dasar selama pandemi. PRODU: Prokurasi Edukasi Jurnal Manajemen Pendidikan Islam, 2(1). https://ejournal.uinib.ac.id/jurnal/index.php/produ/article/view/2051

Ramli, M., Hanurawan, F., Hidayah, N., & Pali, M. (2016). Students’ well-being assessment at school. Journal of Educational, Health and Community Psychology, 5(1), 62–71.

Risqullah, R., Rizhardi, R., & Prasrihamni, M. (2023). Penerapan Pembelajaran Interaktif Berbasis Powerpoint untuk Menciptakan Student Well-Being Mata Pelajaran Bahasa Indonesia Kelas V SD. Jurnal Pendidikan Riset Dan Konseptual, 7(1), 82–92. https://doi.org/10.28926/riset_konseptual.v7i1.610

Rokhmah, I. N., Hariyati, N., Mustaji, M., Roesminingsih, E., & Setyowati, S. (2024). Manajemen Pembelajaran Berdiferensiasi di SMP Islamic International School Pesantren Sabilil Muttaqien Magetan. Journal of Education Research, 5(3), 2540–2545.

Sarie, F. N. (2022). Implementasi Pembelajaran Berdiferensiasi dengan Model Problem Based Learning pada Siswa Sekolah Dasar Kelas VI. Tunas Nusantara, 4(2), 492–498. https://doi.org/10.34001/jtn.v4i2.3782

Sev, J. T. (2017). Effective delegation of authority as a strategy for task accomplishment and performance enhancement in business organizations: An empirical survey of flour mills of Nigeria plc, Lagos-Nigeria. The Business and Management Review, 8(4), 138–157.

Shimizu, Y., & Kang, H. (2022). Discussing students’ thinking and perspectives for improving teaching: An analysis of teachers’ reflection in post-lesson discussions in lesson study cycles. ZDM – Mathematics Education, 54(2), 419–431. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11858-022-01371-5

Tomlinson, C. A. (2017). Differentiated instruction. In Fundamentals of gifted education (2nd ed., pp. 279–292). Routledge.

Ugoani, J. N. N. (2020). Effective Delegation and Its Impact on Employee Performance. International Journal of Economics and Business Administration, 6(3), 78–87. http://www.aiscience.org/journal/ijebahttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Wang, H., & Loughland, T. (2025). Exploring discursive patterns in post-lesson mentoring conversations. Teaching and Teacher Education, 159, 104994. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2025.104994

Downloads

Submitted

06/23/2025

Accepted

11/12/2025

Published

11/17/2025

Versions

Issue

Section

Articles