Traditional classrooms tend to follow a one-size-fits-all model, which includes lecturing to an entire class and having them complete the same tasks at the same time.
Personalised learning takes the approach that every student is unique. It allows educators to customise curricula, giving students the opportunity to learn using their learning styles and talents.
At One World International School (OWIS), we follow the IB Primary Years Programme for Early Childhood and Primary School, a framework that encourages student agency and asks teachers to personalise learning using different strategies and flexible groupings.
Why Is Personalised Learning Important?
Personalised learning has been linked to better learning outcomes, higher retention rates and better assessment performance.
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Keeps a Learner Engaged
Allowing a child to choose topics of their interest keeps them engaged in innovative and exciting ways.
Keeping learners interested increases the likelihood of their retaining and interacting with content that focuses on their current area of study or projects.
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Allows Students to Go at Their Pace
In a traditional classroom, some students tend to fall behind while others have to hold back. Talented students forced to slow down for the sake of others get bored, distracted and disconnected from the lessons.
One of the highlights of personalised learning is allowing students to move at their own pace. The progressive approach gives children a chance to learn more about a subject they love rather than one they struggle with.
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Motivates Students to Take Initiative
Motivation comes in two varieties: intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation.
Extrinsic motivation occurs when an individual is driven to complete a task for reasons that have nothing to do with the task itself, like working just to get paid.
Intrinsic motivation happens when someone is enthusiastic about completing a task simply because they like it and its results, such as writing a poem just out of love for the craft.
Personalised learning in high-quality international education allows students to choose their path out of a set of options, which helps spark the intrinsic motivation to succeed.
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Encourages Collaboration
While personalised learning is about the individual, paths often overlap with those of other students, creating opportunities for collaboration and peer review.
Students are also allowed to present their knowledge to the class, which often broadens the topics that a teacher explores during class.
Learning happens three times when a child teaches or presents a presentation.
- When the student first learns the topic
- When the student lectures
- When other students learn from the presentation
Collaboration in an international education classroom strengthens bonds and gives individuals the chance to explore leadership and oratory skills.
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Sidesteps Standardised Tests
Not all students prove what they know on standardised tests. Many do better with essays, presentations and other types of creative projects.
Personalised learning allows educators to go beyond the basics and provides students with options when proving their knowledge.
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Develop Self-advocacy Skills
Students know how they learn best. Personalised learning gives students the attention they need to ascertain what they require to grow.
By having the freedom to speak up, students can discuss their challenges and gain reassurance that they can overcome them. Allowing children to speak openly about their experiences increases their independence and teaches self-advocacy.
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Ensures Positive Results
Achieving the best academic performance is one of the most important aspects of personalised learning. It provides learners with content that is relevant, engaging, memorable and actionable.
Engaged and motivated students perform better and are likely to spend more time learning and absorbing new materials, leading to better retention rates and performance.
Personalised Learning Plays an Important Role at OWIS
Personalised learning is a powerful progressive teaching method that prepares students to flourish in the 21st century. It provides students with valuable skills, including technology, social skills and self-reflection.
Personalised learning at One World International allows students to develop a passion for learning that traditional classrooms don’t provide.
If you are interested in learning more about personalised learning at OWIS, contact our admissions counsellors today. We will be happy to sit down with you and discuss the benefits of customised curricula and how we can provide a high-quality international education for your child.
