STEPS FOR IMPLEMENTATION
How Do I Implement Personalized Learning In My Classroom?
USE STUDENT DATA AND INTERESTS
CREATE PERSONALIZED LEARNING PATHWAYS
Gather Pre-Assessment Data and Student Interests
Teachers and students should utilize pre-assessments, as well as student-learning preferences and interests, as formative data pieces for effectively implementing personalized learning in the classroom. In order to provide appropriate support to all students on their path to success, teachers, students, parents, and school district leaders can use the on-going data (Data Quality Campaign, 2019). "Data is a critical tool for customizing instruction, allowing students to own their learning, and providing flexible pathways to success" (Data Quality Campaign, 2019, p. 7).
Use Data to Develop and Implement Pathways That Meet Student Needs
With the knowledge of student data and interests, teachers and students are able to collaboratively come up with learning goals based on specific standards and skills. At that point, individualized learning pathways are curated to meet student-specific needs and interests. Personalized learning allows for targeted instruction with flexibility in the methods and tools used to master the standards or skills. Abedi, et. al. (2021) explain that "as the learning paths and their instructional strategies are designed based on each student’s cognitive style, the learning environment is compatible with how each student processes information in his/her brain" (p.184).
DEMONSTRATION OFÂ MASTERY
STUDENT REFLECTION
Use Summative Assessment Data to Prove Whether A Standard Or Skill Has Been Mastered
When students have completed their personalized learning pathway, or when they feel prepared, they are able to take a summative assessment to prove whether or not they have demonstrated mastery yet on that standard or skill. "Often the process is completed with performance-based assessments designed to showcase one’s skills demonstrating mastery" (Hughey, 2020, p. 5). Implementing personalized learning in the classroom "can allow instructors to assess the student’s completion of key competencies, while simultaneously allowing for deep learning and critical thinking" (Welch Bacon & Gaither, 2020, p. 92).
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Students Are Encouraged to Reflect on Learning Goals
One of the most important aspects to helping students stay in the driver's seat on their journey to academic success is creating a sense of ownership in whether or not they mastered a standard or skill. As DeMink-Carthew et. al. (2017) states, "ownership within the context of personalized learning requires students to be able to set, monitor, and reflect on their personal goals" (p. 2). Reflection gives students an opportunity to grow from their learning experiences, "invoking the learner’s intrinsic motivation, exposure to new knowledge, support for skill development, and reflection on the process" (Hughey, 2020, p. 4).
References
Abedi, R., Ahmadabadi, M. R. N., Taghiyareh, F., Aliabadi, K., & Ardakani, S. P. (2021). The Effects of Personalized Learning on Achieving Meaningful Learning Outcomes. Interdisciplinary Journal of Virtual Learning in Medical Sciences, 12(3), 177–187. https://doi.org/10.30476/ijvlms.2021.89371.1072
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Data Quality Campaign. (2019). Making Data Work for Personalized Learning: Lessons Learned. Case Study. In Data Quality Campaign. Data Quality Campaign.
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DeMink-Carthew, J., Olofson, M. W., LeGeros, L., Netcoh, S., & Hennessey, S. (2017). An Analysis of Approaches to Goal Setting in Middle Grades Personalized Learning Environments. Research in Middle Level Education Online, 40(10), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1080/19404476.2017.1392689
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Hughey, J. (2020). Individual Personalized Learning. Educational Considerations, 46(2), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.4148/0146-9282.2237
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Welch Bacon, C. E., & Gaither, K. (2020). Personalized Learning Pathways: Using Technology to Promote Learning Beyond the Classroom. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 162, 91.