subject: Personalized Learning: The Revolution of Standardized Education [print this page] Sir Ken Robinson, author, speaker, and advisor to international governments and institutions of learning spoke at TED (Technology Entertainment Design) in 2006 and 2010. Touted as the Creativity Expert, he has a unique revolutionary view, identifying the need to change the standardized educational system developed as a means to provide mass learning to mass population. The industrial model of education is impersonal and does not take into account individual needs of students. In his talk, he equated standardized learning to fast food. Gourmet restaurants provide customized dishes based on available ingredients and education should be exactly that. Customized to enhance and develop the natural talents, creativity, and passion of learners.
Personalized learning is a unique way to deliver new knowledge and skills. Utilizing blended learning that could be classroom or outside the classroom based education, it is an educational model that caters to the individual needs and interests of the students. Methods, technology, and social interaction are all customized for each student and not merely employing the same procedures for every student.
What are the components that differentiate personalized learning from traditional and standardized learning?
University-model
Some colleges have a prescribed package of subjects and units that are mandatory to get a specific degree but in larger universities, students can choose the subject or curriculum they are interested in. Cost effective training solution that utilizes technology are available to support the learning of students.
Collaboration
Schools are not the sole facilitator the learning program. Parents collaborate with school officials, teachers to support the student's education. Together with the community and state, they act to positively nurture the student's natural abilities to be able to contribute to the future of society in the best of their ability. In using virtual learning environment of supplemental elearning, students can interact beyond the walls of the school and with parental supervision explore knowledge outside their textbooks.
Reduced class sizes
One of the hindrances to effective education is the overcrowding of classrooms. Teachers often struggle to reach out to students who need more attention because of the sheer number of individuals vying for the teacher's attention. In personalize learning, a smaller class means a teacher or lecturer can address concerns more comprehensively and completely.
Dynamic teaching
Teachers have to engage the students with more interactive educational activities that stimulate their learning. In blended learning, the use of elearning may include games and animations designed for students retain more information.
What does personalized learning mean for the public school system? Research upon research concludes that the present standardized educational program does not work for every student. There is no "one-size-fits-all" with regard to education. As individuals, students learn differently; one may be more of a visual learner while another is an auditory learner. A student may also need more time to grasp concepts than another. Sir Robinson was right; education systems around the world need a major overhaul to increase the potential of learners everywhere.
Personalized Learning: The Revolution of Standardized Education
