Personalize Learning (#plearnchat)

Jeff Utecht provides food for thought on personalizing education and what it means for the learner.  

 

"Does it really matter that every child learns the same thing or at the same time? Or is it more important that they just become a learner? Learning how to learn, unlearn, and relearn and having the skills and the passion to make it happen.

 

What if it was just a school's mission and vision, or in my school's case, our Definition of Learning that drove learning in our schools. What if at the end of every year kids had to show this:

 

We value meaningful learning where students construct enduring understanding by developing and applying knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

 

Increased understanding is evidenced by students who:

> Explain its relevance
> Describe how it connects to or conflicts with prior learning
> Communicate it effectively to others
> Generalize and apply it effectively to new situations
> Reflect critically on their own and other's learning
> Ask questions to extend learning
> Create meaningful solutions

 

Do we care what class it happens in? Do we really care about the content? Or can we stand in awe of the great work our kids can produce when we make it personal and allow their passion to show through."

After reading this article, it sounds like Forest Lake Elementary has created UDL (Universal Design for Learning) environments in their school. In my opinion, by applying UDL principles, a personalized learning environment can be realized.

 

To challenge and support each child at his or her own level, the educators of Forest Lake Elementary deploy a powerful array of digital-technology tools. 

 

"More important than the gadgets themselves, of course, is how the teachers use them to create personalized lessons and a productive environment where each child is engaged. Here are Forest Lake teachers' top tips on how to do it."  

 

Here are just a few of those tips:

 

> Deliver Instruction through Multiple Forms of Media

> Gather and Use Immediate Feedback on Students' Understanding

> Give Students Options