When we talk about differentiation in the classroom, the conversation often focuses on how to support students who are behind. But what about the students at the top? The ones who finish their work early, rarely ask questions, and seem to “get it” without much help?
It’s easy to assume these high-achieving students are fine, but many of them are quietly coasting. And while they may be hitting benchmarks and acing tests, they’re not always being challenged to reach their full potential.
In fact, without meaningful stretch, high-achieving students can become bored, disengaged, or develop habits that prioritise speed over depth. So how do we keep them engaged and growing in maths?
1. Shift from speed learning to deep learning
High achievers are often praised for finishing tasks quickly. But speed isn’t always a sign of deep understanding. In fact, rushing can lead students to skim the surface rather than think critically.
To encourage deeper learning, present students with open-ended problems that require reasoning, multiple steps, or justification of their thinking. Ask questions like:
- “Can you find another way to solve this?”
- “What would happen if…?”
- “Can you explain why that strategy works?”
These prompts challenge students to slow down, make connections, and think beyond the procedure.
2. Encourage mathematical communication
Many strong students rely on intuition, they know what to do, but can’t always explain why. Building mathematical communication skills helps them express their thinking, strengthen reasoning, and work collaboratively.
Use strategies like:
- Peer teaching: Ask students to explain concepts to a classmate.
- Journaling: Have students reflect on their problem-solving process in writing.
- Math talks: Facilitate whole-class discussions where students explain and defend their answers.
These strategies don’t just stretch high-achievers, they lift the learning for everyone.
3. Add complexity, not just more work
It’s tempting to hand early finishers another worksheet or move them onto next year’s content. But this approach often results in busywork or superficial acceleration.
Instead, consider:
- Rich tasks: Present multi-step problems with real-world context and multiple entry points. Explore our bank of rich tasks here.
- Projects: Allow students to explore mathematical ideas in depth through investigations.
Adding complexity keeps students in the learning zone—where the task is challenging, but achievable—and prevents the boredom that leads to disengagement.
4. Use data to guide extension
Knowing when and how to stretch a student is easier when you have clear insight into their learning. Formative assessments, diagnostic tasks, and ongoing performance data can help you identify gaps, strengths, and the right next step for every learner.
This kind of targeted extension is far more effective than guessing based on grades or speed alone.
What role does your maths program play?
Even the best teachers can’t be expected to differentiate every lesson for every learner on their own. That’s where a thoughtfully designed program can help.
Instructive makes it easy to stretch and support high-achieving students, without doubling your planning time. It combines explicit, age-based instruction with personalised learning pathways that meet every student where they are, and challenge them to grow.
Here’s how Instructive helps you keep your strongest students moving forward:
- Diagnostic tools identify where each learner is truly at, so you can avoid repetition and move them into meaningful extension.
- Auto-assigned modules adapt to student readiness, so advanced learners are challenged with content that’s right for them.
- Real-time data shows where students are excelling and where they can be pushed further.
The result? A classroom where every student is engaged, including your top performers.
If you’re ready to stop your high achievers from coasting, and start stretching their thinking, explore Instructive and discover how personalised, evidence-based teaching can support growth at every level.
