Exploring Customized Learning: Tailoring Education to Every Student’s Needs
by:
Laura Loughead
December 7, 2023
If you’ve been researching schools for your child, chances are you’ve seen the words personalized, individualized, and customized used all over! These words are essentially interchangeable, and indicate that the school you’re researching does something in the way of tailoring their students’ learning experiences based on their educational needs.
But what does “customized learning” really mean?
Customized learning is an approach to education that tailors instruction to the individual needs, strengths, and interests of students. This approach acknowledges that every student has unique learning needs and preferences. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, customized learning seeks to create an educational experience that is tailored to each student’s individual needs. This approach allows students to learn at their own pace, explore their interests, and develop their strengths.
How can customized learning be implemented in grades K-12?
While there are several ways to implement customized learning for grades K-12, most schools don’t have the resources to cater to each individual student. This often means parents will need to seek out other school options such as a private school with small classroom sizes or an online school that provides 1:1 support.
For those schools that do customize their educational offerings to each student’s needs, here are a few ways they do it:
Personalized learning plans
One way to implement customized learning is through personalized learning plans. These plans are individualized for each student and outline their learning goals, strengths, and areas for improvement. Students can work with their teachers to develop these plans at the beginning of the school year and track their progress throughout the year.
Flexible pacing
Customized learning also involves allowing students to work at their own pace. This means that students can move through material more quickly if they are ready, or they can take more time to master a concept if they need it. Teachers can use a variety of resources and tools, such as online learning platforms, to support students in pacing themselves.
Student choice
Another way to implement customized learning is through student choice. Allowing students to choose their own projects, assignments, or areas of study can increase their engagement and motivation. Teachers can provide students with a range of options and support them in selecting projects or assignments that align with their interests, strengths, and learning preferences.
Collaborative learning
Customized learning can also involve collaborative learning. This approach involves grouping students with similar interests or learning preferences together to work on a project or assignment. This can create a supportive and engaging learning environment where students can learn from each other and build on each other’s strengths.
How do these customized learning strategies benefit K-12 students?
In general, when students are being given choices as to how and when they want to complete their coursework, they are more engaged in their learning and have more of a vested interest in their education. In addition, here are a few other notable benefits to customized learning strategies:
Improved academic performance
When students have personalized learning plans and can work at their own pace, they are more likely to succeed academically. Customized learning can help students build confidence in their abilities and achieve their learning goals.
Increased engagement
Allowing students to choose their own projects or assignments can increase their engagement in the learning process. When students are interested in what they are learning, they are more likely to stay motivated and engaged.
Tailored support
Customized learning allows teachers to provide tailored support to each student. Teachers can identify areas where students need extra help and provide additional resources or support to help them succeed.
By tailoring instruction to the individual needs, strengths, and interests of students, customized learning can improve academic performance, increase engagement, and provide tailored support. Teachers and educators can use a variety of approaches, such as personalized learning plans, flexible pacing, student choice, and collaborative learning, to implement customized learning in their classrooms.
At Holston Academy, our approach is to learn the strengths and opportunities of each student that enrolls so we may build a learning plan for them to be used throughout the school year. Students receive one-on-one teacher support to be sure they are getting the most out of their learning experience. To learn more about our approach, click here.