Personalized Learning Is Not Just for Tech-Heavy Schools
When we hear the term "personalized learning," images of students glued to individual screens, navigating complex software, and AI-driven adaptive platforms often come to mind. While technology can be a powerful tool to facilitate personalized learning, it's crucial to understand that personalization is, at its core, a mindset and an approach to teaching and learning, not solely a technological solution.
Personalized learning is about shifting the focus from a one-size-fits-all model to one that recognizes and responds to the unique strengths, needs, interests, and aspirations of each learner. It's about creating a learning environment where students have voice and choice in what, how, when, and where they learn.
"Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn." ~ Benjamin Franklin
This doesn't require a complete overhaul of your classroom or a massive investment in new technology. In fact, many powerful personalized learning strategies can be implemented with minimal or no technology at all.
One common misconception is that personalized learning means students working in isolation. In reality, it often involves a blend of individual work, small-group collaboration, and whole-class instruction. The key is to provide flexibility and choice within a structured and supportive environment.
Another misconception is that personalized learning is only for advanced students. When implemented effectively, it can benefit all learners, including those who are struggling or have special needs. By differentiating instruction and providing targeted support, teachers can ensure that every student is challenged and supported at their appropriate level.
"You cannot empower students to be self-directed, responsible, critical-thinking people if they can't ask their own questions." ~ A.J. Juliani and John Spencer
Actionable Takeaway:
Personalized Learning Starter Kit (Tech-Optional)
This kit provides practical, low-tech strategies to incorporate personalized learning into your classroom.
Personalized learning is not about abandoning traditional teaching methods but about strategically incorporating approaches that empower students, foster engagement, and deepen learning. By embracing a personalized learning mindset, educators can create more student-centered classrooms that meet the diverse needs of all learners, with or without relying heavily on technology.
Reflective Question: What is one low-tech strategy you could implement to provide more personalized learning experiences for your students?
Citations:
Bray, B., & McClaskey, K. (2017). How to personalize learning: A practical guide to giving students choice, voice, and a learning path. Corwin.
Spencer, J., & Juliani, A. J. (2016). Launch: Using design thinking to boost creativity and bring out the maker in every student. Dave Burgess Consulting, Incorporated.
Tomlinson, C. A. (2014). The differentiated classroom: Responding to the needs of all learners. ASCD.
Further Exploration:
Personalized Learning in Action:
Choice Boards and Learning Menus:
Try this next: As we move into the school year, our next post will explore Starting Small: Entry Points for Standards-Based Learning, showcasing easy, low-risk ways to try standards-based practices in the classroom.
Kelli Marcus is the author of "Reimagining Learning: A Year of Purposeful Change," a blog series designed to empower educators—teachers, administrators, instructional coaches, and educational staff—to explore and implement innovative practices. A former classroom teacher, school counselor, administrator, and college instructor, Kelli brings extensive experience in providing professional development to school systems, with a focus on standards-based learning, change at an organizational scale, student-centered learning, and teacher-led schools. Kelli Marcus can be contacted through LinkedIn.
