Personalized Learning

K-12 Teaching in the 21st Century

Module 2:  Personalized Learning

(Still loving this MOOC!)

At the time of this writing, I have read and watched much of the Consume section of Module 2 regarding Personalized Learning.  I just can't stop at one resource because I am afraid I will miss out on some really good bits of information.  :)

I have always found Sir Ken Robinson to be not only funny, but truly inspiring.  His TED talk titled "Bring on the learning revolution!" did not disappoint.  He is able to make his presentations so entertaining because he knows the topic well.  His perspective on what works and what doesn't, within our educational system and learning process, seems to be right on point.  And, what is most remarkable is that he doesn't purport to have the perfect solution to all our educational struggles.  He states the trouble spots, discusses why they exist and inspires educators to take action. This leaves the door open for educators to adjust the system in their classroom, school or district in a way that works for their particular classroom, school or district.

From his Sir Ken Robinson's TED talk, I learned that personalized learning isn't just a luxury, or a fancy trick to get students to learn.  I feel that his talk illustrated the bigger picture and how personalized learning impacts society as a whole.  Personalized learning fosters each individual's natural curiosity and desire to learn. He speaks to the idea that the current industrial model of education seems to suppress the natural urges to learn for many students because it doesn't give each individual the opportunity to approach the subject matter from one's unique perspective.

Personalized learning allows each learner to feel safe to engage in learning in a way that is meaningful to that particular learner.  This generates a deeper understanding of the subject matter at hand and develops a sense of value of education for learners as they embark on an investigation of the subject matter driven by their distinct interest. For example, a learner interested in sewing can learn just as much about Native American tribes as a person interested in camping.  The sewer can explore Native American culture, the symbolic meaning of colors, mythology, lifestyle, etc. through the study of Native American textiles just as a camper can through the study of tepee making, campfire rituals, hunting, and the like. Therefore, through personalized learning, we can keep the content we find important for learners and only personalize the pathways that students are allowed to approach the content so that each type of learner feels a connection to the content.  This will reinforce the content material and provide a more enriching educational experience for every student.