Moving to a Personalized Learning Model

What is Personalized Learning? According to the Personalized Learning Foundation, California, USA: “Personalized Learning is a blended approach to learning that combines the delivery of education both within and beyond the traditional classroom environment. The Personalized Learning model fosters a collaborative partnership between the teacher, parent, student and school that designs a tailored learning program for each student according to the needs and interests of each individual student. Personalized Learning is truly a 21st century approach to education that, in practice, through flexibility and choice, honors and recognizes the unique gifts, skills, passions, and attributes of each child, as well as each child’s challenges and obstacles to learning. The key attributes that comprise the Personalized Learning model are based upon a solid foundation of the latest educational research findings as to how students learn most successfully. These attributes include a strong emphasis on parental involvement, smaller class sizes, more one-on-one teacher and student interaction, attention to differences in learning styles, student-driven participation in developing the learning process, technology access, varied learning environments, teacher and parent development programs, and choices in curriculum programs. No other educational model offered in today’s public education system has integrated these proven educational research results in such an in-depth and comprehensive manner to serve the diverse needs of today’s public education students”

I was introduced to the Personalized Learning Model when I attended the SLATE (School Leaders Advancing Technology in Education) Conference that is held in Wisconsin by the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators and the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators.  Dr. James Rickabaugh, who currently serves as the Director of the Institute @ CESA #1, an education innovation lab dedicated to the transformation of public education, presented on "Taking Personalized Learning to Scale".   The goal he said of personalized learning is "Learners who are more engaged, committed, focused, independent and prepared for college, career and life".

Here is more information from The Institute @CESA #1:

There are three core components to a personalized learning system:

• Comprehensive, data-rich learner profiles
• Customized learning paths
•  Proficiency-based progress

Although the very nature of personalized learning demands a departure from one-size-fits-all education and allows for myriad models and practices for its implementation, several key characteristics emerge:

• Instruction is customized to individual learning styles and preferences and builds on learner strengths
• Learning can take place anytime, everywhere utilizing a wide variety of delivery methods
• Curriculum is dynamic, individually paced and acknowledges learner interests
•  Standards are rigorous, comprehensive and relevant; they provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, but do not dictate when or how students learn
• Students are authentically engaged in their education experience; they co-create their own customized learning path
• Teachers assume new roles (e.g. learning coordinators, facilitators and assessors) both individually and as part of instructional teams
• Assessment is varied, relevant, and utilizes sophisticated systems to track, illustrate, and translate student performance data; it incorporates innovative practices such as performance-based ePortfolios and embedded formative assessments that produce immediate results
• Feedback occurs in rapid cycles and is objective, connected to learning goals, and suggests the next step in the learning process

Personalized learning will continue to evolve and grow. Implementation of various models will have many policy and operational ramifications and requirements. Careful planning, sophisticated tools, integrated systems, and educator support are required to meet this bold approach to learning. As an educational platform, personalized learning promises to address our nation’s educational challenges and goals by better engaging students and providing them with opportunities to achieve at higher levels.

Personalized Learning for Student Success: A Regional Approach

As a classroom teacher, I had already somewhat taken on this model.  One of the theories I had in my classroom was that students better learn and become more engaged in the learning process when they take interest in their own learning.  I had many students who had passions about specifics topics and I would embrace these and find ways for them to meet the expectations of our curriculum and grow as learners while exploring what most interested them.  I was able to use the technology I had available in my classroom for anywhere/anytime learning to take place.

Our school district is really beginning to put an emphasis on changing the way of education and adopting the personalized learning model.  I am very excited to begin moving forward with this model and to be in a role where I can help teachers make this transition.  I will continue to update you on our progress.

The Institue @ CESA #1 http://www.cesa1.k12.wi.us/institute/designdevelop/personalized-learning.cfm