What Is Personalized Learning? How Can It Help Your Teaching?

Children learn in different ways and at different paces. How can they all reach their full potential in a “one size fits all” class? What, when, where, and how is learning tailored to meet each student's strengths, skills, needs, and interests while still keeping them on track to meet high school diploma standards?

That kind of classroom isn’t the reality for most students. However, it is the ultimate goal of personalized learning, which is already being used successfully in some schools and is spreading in several states.

What is Personalized Learning?

To get an idea of what personalized learning is, imagine a classroom where there is no "one size fits all" approach to education. The teacher does not teach the same lessons to all of the students. Instead, the teacher takes each student on a unique journey. In there, each student is given a "learning plan" based on how they learn, what they know, and their skills and interests.

That scenario is defined as personalized learning - an educational approach that aims to customize learning for each student’s strengths, needs, and interests. 

It can refer to a flexible approach to learning that begins with each individual strengths and capabilities and encourages a diverse range of learning activities. It can also be used to justify a rigid and scripted individual learning progression program.

Why is Personalized Learning in need of being promoted?

Very broadly speaking, the goal is to tailor each student's learning experience to his or her specific skills, abilities, preferences, background, and experiences. Accordingly, a wide range of student outcomes will improve, from engagement to achievement to well-being.

In the United States, most states use some form of personalized learning. The Education Week Research Center, for example, conducted a nationally representative survey of school principals in 2018. More than half of those polled called personalized learning a "transformational way to improve public education" or a "promising idea." Furthermore, 97 percent of schools said they were using digital technologies to personalize learning in some way.

Because of recognizing this approach’s potential, Tech moguls Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg have donated millions to research the approach. States, companies, other philanthropies, and a network of nonprofits and advocacy groups are also now backing the movement. Besides, the United Kingdom, Finland, and New Zealand are also exploring personalized learning for their school systems.

How does Personalized Learning work in the classroom?

Personalized learning is not a magic wand, but it has the potential to prepare self-regulating and self-motivated learners for life after school. At the same time, accessible learning strategies must be integral components of personalized learning. If this is done well, all students will be more engaged in their learning. And struggling students will receive assistance sooner. If this is not done properly, students with disabilities may fall further behind. Here are three key strategies for effectively personalizing learning and culturally responsive teaching.

1. Personalized learning portfolios

This is the driving force behind personalized learning. Students must make personal plans and goals based on their interests, talents, and passions. There can be no personalized learning without clear and specific personal goals. A learner profile also assists students in keeping track of their own progress and modifying or setting new goals as needed. It allows the teacher, student, and, in many schools, parent to know if they need to change a learning method or goals — before the student performs poorly or fails.

This approach also includes a set of learning activities related to a specific topic that is appropriate for each student. It enables students to excel in areas where they naturally excel and makes it easier for teachers to pursue a personalized learning approach. Instead of creating new activities for every single student, teachers make a few activities for the whole class. Each student then forges their own study path out of these activities.

2. Variety in learning methods and assessment

Teachers are adaptable in terms of how students learn as well as the time and pace at which they do so. For example, instead of essays, they complete projects in which they research topics of interest or connect with communities to broaden their knowledge of real-world issues. Students who are on a personalized learning path will not only prefer to learn in their own style. They will also prefer to be physically embodied in their own unique way, necessitating flexible seating arrangements.

Assessment is proficiency-based rather than grade-based (in which students from the same year level are compared). This assesses whether students are learning and meeting a certain standard. It also allows students to be involved. In a “student-led conference”, students update each other on what they have learned.

Students in the United States who had participated in personalized learning described it as relaxed and less stressful. It allowed them to be themselves, and they felt respected for their opinions and choices.

3. Use of ed tech

Because of technological advancements, personalized learning is now a more viable option than ever before. It is impossible to keep track of the diverse educational paths of so many students on your own. Modern educational technology allows you to track and manage all of your student's learning experiences in real time. There are many different types of educational technology that can help with personalized learning. Collaboration software assists you in keeping track of your students' work. It also encourages students to collaborate on projects in small groups.

Class organization platforms like Worksheetzone allow live interaction between teachers and students. Teachers can use these platforms to keep tabs on the activities and progress of their students. Especially on Worksheetzone, they can customize worksheets being compatible with their class. Students work on their own and, at regular points, use online assessment tools to test their readiness for the next chunk of knowledge. Once one level is mastered, they move on to the next.

 

Personalized learning holds a lot of promise, but it also has some drawbacks. The key is to ensure that when schools begin using personalized learning, teachers are properly trained to meet the needs of your child. And the more you know, the more you can engage in the conversation. Follow us to get more information as well as explore a class organization platform - Worksheetzone!