No two students are alike. That is a fact. However, in our education system, we teach entire classrooms of students the same way. Many factors differentiate students. These factors can be their economic background, mental acumen, home life, and general interests. Personalized learning is a new system of learning that needs to be adopted more broadly.
The program caters to the individual needs of students through technology and personalization. These programs can help at-risk students thrive in their academic careers. It can make going to college a reality for many students. These are students who otherwise would not be able to make it. At least, not by following the traditional methods of learning.
What is Personalized Learning?
Before we go deep into the benefits of personalized learning, we must understand it. Personalized learning refers to a learning model created by teachers and students together.
The program teaches each student at their own pace. Also, this plan keeps in mind the interests of each student. This change from traditional models of learning to personalized learning is challenging. It is also not a short-term endeavor. It is an ongoing process that repeats at various stages.
In 2023, many students will be studying online. These personalized learning plans include online class help for students. This help also fits the specific needs of the students.
How Personalized Learning Differs From Traditional Ones?
The critical difference between personalized learning and the old methods is the approach. While personalized learning focuses more on individual focus, old methods want the entire class to move forward at the same pace.
For years, the education system in the US has wanted students to perform as per their grade level. However, this system did account for each student’s situation. In classrooms where personalized learning systems are in place, the pace and content vary.
But, in traditional classrooms, that is not the case. The curriculum goes at an average pace for all students in these classrooms. This approach might work well for some students. However, it does not fit the needs of all of them. Many kids get left behind due to this.
How Do Students Benefit from Personalized Learning?
There are many ways that personalized learning benefits students. This approach to learning is created with the students’ needs in mind.
Below are some ways that students can benefit from the personalized learning approach.
Moving at Own Pace
One of the best benefits of personalized learning is studying at your own pace. Each student has different skill sets and interests. For example, a student might grasp a concept of chemistry quickly but not math. Similarly, they may be swift in understanding computers but slow with learning grammar.
Now, imagine you have a classroom full of such students. You cannot teach them at the same pace. With personalized learning, students can take more time to study subjects in which they are weak. Similarly, they can quickly move on from the concepts they have understood.
Increased Engagement
When students participate in their learning plan, it leads to increased engagement. Students that are part of a personalized learning classroom stay engaged longer. It allows them to soak up more knowledge and be more attentive. It is a dream situation for any teacher.
Students can get to shape the direction of their learning. They get to choose the order in which they study any concept. It makes them feel like they are in charge of their education.
Imparts Technical Knowledge
Personalized learning helps students get acquainted with various technical skills. They collaborate with other students and teachers online. They get to learn multiple tools like Google docs and Google sheets.
Many students that take various online courses like Khan Academy courses can learn to research Khan Academy cheat sheets online. All of this improves their technical know-how.
These essential technical skills will also help them in their future careers. That is another benefit of personalized learning for students.
Improved Results
Tests and exams are the measuring sticks used to measure student performance. So, how do the students of the personalized learning system fare in exams? Studies show that students who participate in personalized learning gradually improve their results.
Teachers absorb knowledge better when they teach students according to their own pace and interests. Consequently, that leads to them being more engrossed in learning. Such students prepare better and perform better.
The results themselves show the success of the personalized learning system for students. Since the teachers also want their students to succeed, it is excellent for them.
Students are Better Prepared for the Future
The corporate world and the future world economy will be all about personalization. The one size fits all mentality does not work here. We all work in a world where companies are always trying to figure out each customer’s individual needs.
Students who have been involved in personalized learning understand this concept better. They know that everyone is unique and has their way of thinking. Also, no employee wants to remain stuck on a monotonous career path.
Today’s employees are risk-takers. They want to try new things and see what suits them better. This individualism is developed early on in schools and colleges through personalized learning.
In Conclusion
We have entered a new era in learning. Gone are the days when everyone was painted with the same brush. Schools are now realizing the importance of personalized learning. Also, they are learning the benefits of individual attention to students.
During the lockdowns caused by Covid, all students had to shift their learning online. This change was the same for all students in the US. However, all students did not handle this change in the same manner.
Many students who lived in economically backward areas found it hard to cope. They did not have fast internet connections or the required hardware. The same goes for students that suffer from anxiety. They were not able to handle the Zoom classes and constant video calls. This period made us realize how different students are.
We hope that personalized learning will reach every classroom in America in the future. Hopefully, the benefits described in this article can help students and teachers across the country make the required changes.
