Personalized Learning Explained

Learning is a stable and persistent change in what one person knows or is able to do. And, while we typically refer to learning in the context of education, as a process that induces change, we learn something with every interaction we have. On the other hand, what we’ll learn and how effectively we’ll learn it, depends on many things. This is why the same experience doesn’t affect everyone the same way. Our experience is personal, just like the learning process. This has led many experts to theorize that personalized learning is the next big milestone for the educational system. 

However, there’s a long way from theory to practice. At first glance, personalized learning seems like the most logical solution to most common problems in education. But, does it actually work? Only a few educational institutions have adopted personalized learning. Most of them have adopted a personalized approach when they integrate technological advances. But, personalization doesn’t necessarily entail technology in its conceptual framework, as you’ll see further in this article. 

Why does such a strong theoretical solution have a slow adoption in practice? Can this be changed, and what are the benefits? Keep reading to find the answers to these and so many other questions regarding personal learning.

What is Personalized Learning?

The term “personalized learning” first appeared in literature around the 1960s (The First Book of Teaching Machines by Williams and Epstein), although it wasn’t until the early 2000s when this concept started to receive a lot of attention. The reason for this is that there’s no widespread agreement on its definition and components, among other things. Even today, personalized learning is considered to be a term that still evolves as experts are trying to come up with a methodological framework.

Two Approaches to Personalized Learning by Dan Buckley

A significant milestone toward a methodological framework of personalized learning came in 2005 when Dan Buckley defined personalized learning as a spectrum with two ends. On one hand, he recognized that personal learning means “an education personalized for the learner” where the teacher adopts the educational material and teaching practices to better fit the students’ style. On the other hand, Buckley recognized that personalization can also be “an education personalized by the learner” where the student has a more independent and active role. Students are expected to develop skills on how to personalize their own learning. 

These are two very different approaches to personalized learning and they’re both valid. As you’ll see further in the text, we’ll discuss four different applications of personalized learning in the classroom-based more or less on one of these two theoretical conceptions. 

In addition, in 2006, Microsoft launched a book (practical guide) for schools on how to transform education to ensure optimal learning outcomes for all students. In this guide, they use Dan Buckley’s views on personalization as a foundation for transforming educational systems. 

Personalized Learning vs Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504 Plan

While we’re on the subject of defining personalization, we should address the distinctions between personalized learning and Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan. 

It’s not uncommon for personalized learning to be confused as a type of special education program as it’s often viewed as an “education that lets students move at their own pace based on their needs.” This is a gross oversimplification of personalized learning and it misses the main idea behind it. 

Individualized Education Program (IEP) and the 504 Plan are two programs that ensure all students who qualify as special needs students or otherwise require special circumstances to be able to follow mainstream education, receive special instruction, or other special services. For instance, children with learning disabilities might receive better adapted educational materials, or children with visual impairment may be seated in a better position, etc. 

These two programs focus on children with special needs or impairments, and they’re designed to enquire equal opportunities for all students who would otherwise fall behind. Personalization focuses on the strengths and specific interests of all students. Both students with impairments and students with typical development can take part in personal learning, which is different for every individual, taking into consideration their abilities, competencies, learning styles, previous knowledge, interests, difficulties, strengths, and so on.  

Benefits to Personalized Learning

By now, it becomes clear that one of the aims of personal learning is to ensure that every student realizes its maximum potential. In theory, if one can become the world’s greatest physicist, then personalization should tailor the educational experience to ensure the highest probability of a student achieving such a goal. 

This is quite an ambitious goal, and truth be told, we still don’t know whether personalization is actually superior to other teaching approaches, innovative or traditional. The reason behind is mostly because there’s so much that we still don’t know about human development, learning, and life satisfaction. Human nature is one of the most complex phenomena in our world, meaning we still have a long way before we say we understand it. 

However, based on what we know so far, the following benefits can reasonably be attributed to personalization. 

Personal learning sparks interest and empowers students

Advocates of personal learning argue that creating student-centered classrooms, where students have a say in how they’ll learn the material and are able to focus on things that they’re interested in, captivates students’ attention and makes them feel empowered. They have more control over their education, which also entails more responsibility.

No one is left behind. Everyone develops essential skills

In a large classroom with many students, it’s not always easy to make sure everyone understands everything correctly or if they feel comfortable with the material. If the majority of the group grasps the material, the unit moves on. Personalization aims at this issue in traditional education. By providing flexibility and adaptation of the material, it ensures that everyone learns effectively. 

Personal learning promotes collaboration and cooperation

In our next section regarding misconceptions about personalized learning, we’ll debunk the myth that personalized learning is focused on independent work. In fact, one of the benefits of personalization is the opportunity for children to work together on projects or topics. However, unlike typical group work, where students can show their specific skills, find a role in the group, and take responsibility for the final results. This is one of the best ways for children to learn how other students can help them achieve shared goals.

Personal learning changes students’ attitudes toward learning

Most students, especially teenagers, have an ambivalent or negative attitude toward learning. They’re rebellious and want to feel independent. Social relationships come first and they’re not afraid to explore different things. For these reasons, personalization where the student can try different approaches and learn in a way that they feel comfortable can change their attitude toward education and even make them feel more confident and mature. 

Personal learning removes the stigma towards special education

One of the most important advantages of personalization is that it removes the stigma associated with special education. It tells us that everyone is different and there’s no “normal” or “best/good” way of learning. And, even though we know it to be true, there are a lot of people, especially parents, who are biased. After all, if this is true, why is everyone evaluated based on the same method? When educational practices are actually reformed to reflect the belief “everyone is different and there isn’t one best way of learning,” then we might see a cultural change in our mindset. 

Challenges Surrounding Personalized Learning

Some of the leading researchers do not support the most enthusiastic claims about personalized learning. It’s a new approach that lacks the theoretical and practical evidence that comes with time. A lot of questions are being raised regarding the theoretical framework, the practical implications for teaching and learning, as well as the technological connections. Of course, resistance toward a new reform is not surprising, but is it founded? 

In addition, we’ll share some of the most popular critiques of personalized learning, and you can be the judge of whether they deserve more attention. 

Lack of Clarity Around the Concept

We’ve mentioned this a couple of times throughout the article, which is why it’s not surprising that it’s one of the loudest concerns regarding personalized learning. More specifically, it refers to the lack of theoretical conceptualization which, in turn, leaves practices undefined and unregulated. For instance, is personalized learning if you give students different assignments based on their previous achievements on standardized tests, or should they not take the same tests?

Potential Hidden Interests of the Tech-Industry

Another concern and aversion toward personalized learning come from its origins. The tech industry introduced the concept of personalized learning and it pushes it passionately. For these reasons, many educators and scientists are skeptics. They fear that the tech industry might have a hidden agenda related to data collection.

Teachers’ Competences

Yet another issue that might threaten the implementation of personalized learning is the teachers’ competencies and knowledge for carrying out this type of lecture. This is a serious concern because pedagogical institutions do not prepare teachers for personalized learning in the classroom with large groups of students. 

Lack of Scientific Research

On top of all this, opponents of personalized learning would argue that all the enthusiasm is unfounded as there’s still no evidence to back it up. Of course, every method, in the beginning, is faced with this problem and unless we accept it in the classroom, we won’t have reasons to support it nor to reject it. Maybe in the future, the scientific opinion will shift and we’ll think of personalized learning as a normal aspect of mainstream education. 

Misconceptions Regarding Personalized Learning

There are advantages, disadvantages, and gross misconceptions regarding personalized learning. Of course, it’s nothing less than expected when dealing with a popular trend in education that means so many things to so many experts. What are the most common misconceptions regarding personalized learning? 

Personalized Learning is Based on Technology

Personalized learning was envisioned as a solution that utilizes digitals tools in order to easily and flexibly modify the educational material, exercises, assignments, and other class materials so students can learn in their preferred way. However, the ideology behind personalized learning is not tied to technology. While it would be an incredible challenge for teachers to implement personalized learning in practice without using technology, the truth is – it’s possible. 

Personalized Learning Equals Independent Work

Another mistake that follows from the misconception of personalized learning as a digital methodology is the type of work the student will be engaging in. If we believe that personalized learning is a methodology based on the use of computers and other digital tools, then it’s only reasonable to conclude that the student will spend their time in front of the computer learning alone. However, personalized learning can incorporate group work and work on projects in pairs or dynamic groups in a creative way. 

Personalized Learning is Time Consuming

Personalized learning can be time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be. It really depends on the teachers’ competencies and the tools used to implement it. If the teacher uses digital tools, then personalized learning might be even easier to implement than other equally popular teaching methods. 

Personalized Learning Can’t Work in Combination with Traditional Lectures

Yes, it can! You can always personalize only one subject, a block of one subject, or personalize aspects of the curriculum for all subjects, such as homework. The way and the intensity to which you would like to personalize the classroom depends solely on you as a teacher. 

Four Methods for Applying Personalized Learning in the Classroom

Some of the educational institutions that have implemented personalized learning use a very different approach to make things happen. We can safely say that there are no institutions that would use personalized learning in exactly the same way. However, speaking in a broad sense, we can distinguish four approaches or methods for applying personalized learning in the classroom. 

Learner Profiles

Creating learner profiles is one way to personalize the educational process. Thinking of personalized learning as a spectrum, this type is “personalized learning for the student” where the institution or the teacher keeps an in-depth record of information that helps profile the student’s character, traits, interests, learning style, needs, goals, and so much more. The information can be obtained through regular evaluation sessions that are not the typical monthly reports cards we see in mainstream classrooms. 

Moreover, each student should have access to (at least some version of) its profile. This way, they’ll be able to follow their progress, see changes in their learning performance, and identify their strengths and weaknesses. The biggest advantage of learner profiles is that they give the students, the parents, and the teachers an opportunity to try different methods or different styles so the student can overcome their weaknesses before official tests or evaluations. 

Personalized Learning Paths

Other institutions envision personalized learning as a path that each student can take. For example, teachers can create different weekly schedules for the students based on the students’ goals, needs, and interests, to try to improve their performance. Each student will have their own unique path composed of several different learning methods (modalities). These modalities will help the student develop necessary skills in the areas that they need the most. Additionally, every student progresses at their own pace, meaning that no one is left behind. 

Competency-Based Progression

Another type of personalized learning is for the institution or teacher to set specific goals, skills, or competencies that the students need to achieve – they’re personalized based on previous knowledge. At the end of the day, each student will learn all the skills necessary for their grade level, but which of them they’ll learn first and when they’ll demonstrate their acquired skills is individual. This means that traditional tests or evaluations don’t fit with the competency-based personal learning approach. 

Flexible Learning Environments

Finally, the last distinctive application we’ve recognized within the classrooms is the creation of flexible learning environments. It basically means that the classrooms are going to be adapted to the student’s preferred way of learning. For large groups, this type of personal learning might require you to divide the physical space into separate learning zones. 

In addition, flexible learning environments might allow students to customize their schedule, whether they work in a group or alone, whether they write an essay on a subject or debate the topic with a classmate, and so on. Flexible learning environments are a great way for teachers to personalize to the extent they feel comfortable and knowledgeable. For instance, students can choose their assignment based on four or five options, instead of having complete freedom. 

Before You Go

Is personalized learning the next big thing in education? Hopefully, our article gave you a clearer idea of what is going on behind the euphoria surrounding personalized learning. Don’t get us wrong, we are not criticizing this approach. It’s our aim to bring you an unbiased opinion of all the good and bad sides of this tech-savvy methodological paradigm. Moreover, if you’re an educator who loves trying new things, personalized learning sure seems appealing enough to give it a shot. 

However, don’t forget that regardless of whether you end up trying personalized learning or not, some things remain evergreen. Our worksheet library, offering high-quality and interactive teaching worksheets that cover all subjects, is one example. Simply, head over to our website and find the best worksheet for your next class. 
Beyond this, we’re proud to share tips, inspiration for activities, new and innovative ideas for the classroom, guides on current issues in education, and pieces of advice on effective teaching strategies. For instance, this article is part of our teaching methods series where we cover many different approaches. To see more, click on the following link to visit our blog, or better yet, subscribe to our newsletter and always be the first to receive notifications about new releases.