It\u2019s challenging to create a single definition of personalized learning experiences when the very essence of the concept lies in its unique expressions. Like every family\u2019s favorite recipe for chocolate chip cookies, a personalized learning experience for one student, educator or school may be entirely different for another.<\/p>\n
The U.S. Department of Education defines personalized learning as \u201can experience where the pace of learning and instructional approach are optimized for the needs of each student.\u201d Whereas today, many educators might think of a common instructional approach and common set of content to meet learning objectives, in personalized learning environments those elements may vary in order to be meaningful to students\u2019 areas of interest.<\/p>\n
Just as no two personalized learning experiences are the same, the adoption of personalized learning approaches will differ from one school — even one classroom — to the next, as the culture, context and community of the school influence its execution.<\/p>\n
However, there are three characteristics that all personalized learning experiences share.<\/p>\n
Student-Led It means ensuring students have agency in their choices, and that they are the drivers in the learning process, not the educator. This may shift traditional relationships between students and teachers to be more collaborative.<\/p>\n Character + Community Development Developing skills like empathy and curiosity, as well as interacting with peers within the school community and the larger surrounding community, can better prepare students for a successful future.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The primary hallmark of a personalized learning experience is a different level of focus on the student, one that considers how their needs, goals and interests are discovered and enabled.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Personalized learning experiences also focus on building character development and community engagement.<\/p>\n