Which of the following describes methods for adapting education to meet learner needs?

The focus of this question is on identifying methods specifically aimed at adapting education to accommodate the diverse needs of learners. Instructional strategies are best defined as the specific techniques or approaches used by educators to facilitate learning. These strategies are designed to vary according to learner characteristics, educational goals, and content being taught, making them highly adaptable to individual needs.

By utilizing different instructional strategies, teachers can cater to various learning styles and preferences, ensuring all students have an opportunity to succeed. For instance, a teacher might use collaborative group work to engage learners who thrive in social interactions or integrate technology for those who benefit from digital tools. This adaptability is what distinguishes instructional strategies from other options presented.

The other choices, while related to education, do not focus specifically on the methods of adaptation for learners. Pedagogical theories provide underlying beliefs and principles about teaching and learning but are not methods in and of themselves. Assessment techniques refer to the ways in which learner progress is measured and, while important for identifying need, they do not directly adapt teaching. Standard teaching methods are approaches commonly used in classrooms but may not necessarily address the unique requirements of each learner, hence lacking the flexibility implied by the question.