Adapting instructional methods to suit the diverse learning styles of every child in your classroom is an overwhelming challenge. On the one hand, teachers cannot slow the whole class down to help one or two children. On the other hand, they can also not ignore children with different learning paces or styles.
For this reason, we see an increasing popularity of personalised learning aids and adaptive learning methodologies in K-12 education. Parents and learners are turning to technology to find flexible learning environments that align with the principles of the NCF, allowing learners to progress at their own pace and according to their unique learning styles. This article will discuss seven innovative ideas for educators to develop flexible learning plans and implement personalised learning strategies in their classrooms.
Personalised learning is a school experience that can be customised for each student. This educational approach acknowledges the uniqueness of every student and tries to understand how they learn best. Teachers can create special plans to help the students learn at their own pace and do their best in school learning. Personalised learning is about customising the learning experience to align with individual learning styles, preferences, and needs.
Personalised learning promotes academic growth by focusing on the student’s learning requirements and leading to better learning outcomes. Here is a look at seven effective personalised learning strategies teachers can implement in their classrooms for higher academic success.
EdTech is an indispensable part of modern education. It can help teachers dynamically track and manage their students' learning experiences. There are several edtech solutions to aid in personalised learning. Choose the one that suits your student’s needs and enables you to support their learning journey as an educator.
Collaborative software allows students to work together on group projects while enabling teachers to track each student's learning progress. Some other tech software, such as hybrid learning platforms, has features like live interaction between teachers and students, tracking real-time progress, and sharing educational resources.
Standard tests and quizzes are essential to education. However, children should get multiple opportunities to showcase their learning and apply the concepts they have learned in class. It enables them to take responsibility for their learning and allows the teacher to identify the students who need more practice or attention on a topic. Personalised learning techniques include organising practical assessments that offer insights into learning outcomes.
Personalised learning is not limited to instructional methods. It also involves offering students a say in classroom decisions. For example, a flexible seating arrangement wherein students choose their seats may help them feel more comfortable in the classroom. It can help reduce disciplinary issues in the class, improve collaboration, and develop a positive learning environment.
Another option is to create rotating stations in the class where students can focus on one task at a time at each station. It will also divide the students into smaller groups, and the teacher can target their instruction to one group at a time.
Using smart education technology solutions, teachers can invert the traditional format of lectures in class and assignments at home. Students can listen to the lectures at home and while completing their assignments in class. Receiving the teacher’s guidance when applying the concepts to practical problems will help improve the learning experience.
Some vital advantages of this approach to personalised learning are:
In personalised learning programs, a playlist is a set of activities related to a particular topic. Students can choose the playlist they want to do and pursue those activities at their own pace. For completing each activity, the students receive some points. Teachers can get creative with the playlist and include physical, digital, collaborative, and gamified activities for their subjects. It will help keep the lesson interesting and cater to diverse learning styles.
Various schools and educational applications offer students video content as an alternative to written content. However, the best format would be to provide students with audio, video, and reading options to cater to maximum learning styles. This idea is essential in personalised learning to empower students with different abilities as outlined in frameworks like NCF (National Curriculum Framework), which emphasizes inclusivity in education.
Visually challenged students may prefer to listen to a text rather than play the video file. Those with hearing impairment will be more comfortable reading the text, while those with attention disorders will be happier to watch the video.
Assessments are integral for all education systems. Teachers must not limit the assessments to standardised tests and pop quizzes. Using formative assessments will enable teachers to check their student’s level of understanding at the end of every lesson. It will take the pressure out of assessments and improve the teacher-student connection.
Secondly, after assessments, teachers should give students individualised feedback. It will help parents and students get an insight into the areas of improvement and pay more attention there.