What is Personalized Learning?
Personalized Learning is a learner-focused model with technology integrated into every classroom and instruction that happens in a variety of ways to better meet the needs of students. Students are guided to drive their own learning and set short term and long term goals with their teachers based upon data about where the student currently is and where he/she needs to be. The Personalized Learning model has the flexibility to incorporate both learner interest-driven content as well as content that is required (ie, everyone learns addition).
Personalized Learning does not look the same in every classroom; however it does have four basic components: self-reflection and goal setting for student ownership, flexible content to meet student needs and abilities, digital tools for instruction and data, and targeted instruction specific to learner needs and goals. Some classes use centers through which students rotate; others may use a flipped classroom model; others may use a combination of strategies.
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The Benefits of Personalized Learning
Personalized Learning Applied
HOW WE USE DATA
Our school uses the MAP Assessment data for Reading, Language Usage, and Math along with other programs such as Zearn, Freckle, Membean, and teacher and student-designed assessments to plan for daily learning and future goal setting. Students and teachers discuss current “Ready to Learn” levels and set goals for learning so the focus is on growth and skill development.
OUR STUDENTS TAKE OWNERSHIP
The success with the middle school students’ 20% Time class showed us that students can take ownership of their learning when provided the foundational skills and guidance necessary to do so. Within this class students have created websites and podcasts, built gardens, organized clubs and activities, learned painting and art techniques, and created prototypes for athletic equipment and engineering projects.
TECHNOLOGY IN ACTION
Technology opens up many avenues for learning, allowing students access to content and material beyond the textbook. Teachers can see students’ work in real-time and provide feedback quickly so learning is reinforced, students are challenged, and mistakes are used as a tool for growth.