Personalized learning is when the planning, teaching, and assessment focus on the individual needs and interests of each student. It provides an education that includes differentiation and individualization, tools which support student success.
5 Advantages Of Personalized Learning
- Student-Centered Classrooms
- Learning activities are meaning
ful and connect to student interests - Authentic learning empowers students
- Learning activities are meaning
- Active Learning Environment
- Instruction utilizes a variety of learning styles that support every learner
- Personal attention is given to ensure that every child develops their intellectual and creative talents
- Collaborative and Cooperative
- Students work with others to explore ideas and use knowledge for meaningful tasks
- Teachers are facilitators of learning to guide them in acquiring knowledge
- Opportunities are provided for students to become “creators of content”
- Creates Positive Attitudes
for Learning- Enthusiasm for school is increased
- Creates life-long learners
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Caring and Supportive Learning Environment
- Student-teacher relationships are respectful
- Parents partner with teachers to encourage student achievement
Why it Works
Every student is unique, with different learning styles, strengths, and areas of growth. Personalized learning encourages and challenges students to achieve their best. It is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, personalized learning customizes activities to align with each student’s strengths, needs, and interests. Sanford School's motto, No Talent Lies Latent, embraces the student-centered learning philosophy. As stated in Sanford School's mission statement, “We provide a safe, positive, and caring environment where students are encouraged to explore and experiment to discover their own unique interests, talents, and love of learning. We teach in a manner that gives each student the opportunity to reach his or her full potential.”
Sandy Sutty is the Technology Integration Coordinator and Upper School Librarian at Sanford School. She has a Master's in Science in Instructional Technology and Library Science and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. She is a Google Certified Educator and a member of the advisory board of the UDLib/SEARCH program.
See Also: What is Authentic Learning?, Finding Great Teachers
