While the term ‘personalized learning’ has gained popularity recently, individualized instruction is far from a modern innovation. Early 20th-century educational pioneers such as Helen Parkhurst, Maria Montessori, and John Dewey have long advocated for adapting teaching methods to meet the unique needs of students. Subsequently, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandated that students with special needs or learning disabilities receive a yearly Individualized Education Program (IEP). This ensures access to an equitable and thriving education in today’s evolving educational landscape. As more students require tailored interventions, leveraging technology becomes crucial. Accessible, individualized learning should be a central focus in the classroom. Before we can assert this notion into classrooms, we must define what individualized instruction is, the role of mastery-based learning, and the value it brings to every learner in the classroom.
So, what is individualized instruction?
MindPlay’s Dr. Meredyth Kealey breaks it down for us: “Not all students learn at the same pace. Some may grasp concepts quickly, while others may need more time. Individualized instruction allows students to progress at their own speed, ensuring they fully understand the material before moving on. This accommodates students with diverse needs, ensuring all have access to the curriculum. By focusing on the individual learner, individualized instruction enhances engagement, improves academic performance, and nurtures a love for lifelong learning.”
Why does mastery-based learning matter?
Kealey continues, “Mastery-based instruction serves to ensure students have truly demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the material presented to them before moving to complex reading concepts. You’re creating the foundation for reading.”
In the simple view of reading, mastery-based instruction ensures language acquisition through a structured approach where each skill builds upon the next in a logical progression. This method creates differentiated pathways for learning that adapt to each student’s pace and comprehension level. This fosters a deeper engagement and long-term retention of knowledge. By prioritizing mastery, educators not only equip students with essential skills, but also instill a sense of achievement and confidence in their abilities.
In essence, mastery-based learning shifts the focus from completing tasks to thoroughly understanding concepts. This prepares students for academic success, lifelong learning, and critical thinking in an ever-changing world.
How does MindPlay support individualized instruction?
MindPlay embraces the “classroom of one” concept where differentiated instruction ensures that learners benefit from systematic, explicit literacy instruction and skills application with personalized options. By incorporating the Orton-Gillingham approach, we ensure that each learner receives tailored, individualized support for their unique needs.
Personalized Reading Intervention
Adaptive technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing student outcomes by dynamically adjusting learning experiences based on individual pacing, progress, and needs. With MindPlay, students receive differentiated instruction in real-time, with individualized pacing and personalized pathways. This adaptive approach not only optimizes learning efficiency, but also enhances student engagement and motivation to achieve success even when challenged.
Adaptive Technology
Moreover, adaptive technology enables educators to track each student’s progress comprehensively. This allows for timely intervention and targeted support that promotes academic growth and achievement. MindPlay seamlessly integrates adaptive technology into its instructional framework, empowering educators and students alike to support metacognitive growth to identify each learner’s unique strengths. This supports active growth in areas where they may have originally faced challenges.
Assessment in Personalized Learning
MindPlay believes that the acquisition and application of reading skills cannot stand on its own without assessment. Comprehensive data provides educators with insights into each student’s real-time progress, strengths, and improvement areas. Educators need well-informed, real-time data in a seamless, digestible format. This allows for informed instructional decisions for mastery-based learning opportunities. Technology cannot and should not be seen as a replacement for teachers; if anything, assessment data should ensure a holistic, well-rounded view of student learning. From there, educators can allow for personalized and individualized learning experiences in the classroom, with differentiated content and support strategies to meet individual student needs effectively.
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