Erilaistukset

Erilaistukset is a Finnish plural noun derived from erilaistaa, meaning to differentiate or distinguish. The term is used across various fields to refer to processes or outcomes that move from a common or undifferentiated state toward specialised forms or categories. It can denote both the act of differentiating and the resulting differences themselves.

In biology, erilaistukset typically refer to cellular differentiation, the process by which stem cells or progenitor cells acquire specialized identities, functions and gene expression patterns. This includes the development of neural, muscular, blood or epithelial cells and the formation of distinct tissues and organs. The concept also covers differences between tissues at the organismal level or during tissue regeneration, driven by signaling pathways and epigenetic changes.

In education and pedagogy, erilaistukset denote strategies to address learner diversity. Teachers differentiate content, learning processes and assessments to meet different readiness levels, interests and learning profiles. Methods include tiered activities, flexible grouping, varied supports and adjustments to pacing. While erilaistukset is used in this context, eriyttäminen or differentiated instruction is the more common term; erilaistukset often refers to concrete instances of differentiated approaches or to their outcomes.

Outside biology and education, the term can describe social or economic differentiation, such as distinctions between groups or market segmentation where products or services are adapted to different customer needs. Etymology traces the word to the adjective erilainen, “different,” with the plural form used for multiple types of differentiation.

See also: erilaistuminen, eriyttäminen.