We're living in a new age of education where the one-size-fits-all model doesn't quite cut it anymore. Educational technology has played a huge role in personalized learning, but so has the work of educators who understand the nuances of individualized instruction. In this article, we'll look at the ways that personalized learning can benefit students, particularly those in high school who are struggling with attendance, engagement, and achievement.

What is personalized learning?

Overall, personalized learning is a pedagogy that shifts the focus from a one-size-fits-all approach to a student-centered approach. This recognizes and nurtures individual strengths and needs. A personalized learning approach to teaching methods tends to result in better academic performance, increased motivation, and a deeper understanding of the material.

As a broader concept, personalized learning can cover a wide variety of methodology, including:

• Individualized pace. Students can progress through material at their own speed. This prevents boredom for fast learners and allows struggling students to grasp concepts fully before moving on.
• Customized content. Curriculum, learning materials, and instruction can be adjusted to match students' interests and learning styles, making education more engaging and relevant.
• Targeted support. Teachers can provide targeted interventions and support to address specific learning gaps or challenges that students face.

Benefits of a personal learning approach

Students can benefit in many ways when their schools embrace personal learning, including:

• Ownership of learning. Students can take more responsibility for their learning process, which fosters independence, self-direction, and critical thinking skills.
• Higher engagement. When students are actively involved in their learning and have choices, they are more likely to stay motivated and engaged in their education.
• Improved outcomes. Research suggests that personalized learning leads to improved academic outcomes, including higher achievement levels and graduation rates. In one study conducted by RAND Opens in a new browser tab , while personalized learning was shown to benefit students of all backgrounds and abilities, students at charter schools particularly showed more gains in learning outcomes.
• Preparation for the future. By honing skills like self-regulation and adaptive learning, personalized learning prepares students for lifelong learning and future career success.

An example of personalized learning

It's easy enough to discuss personalized learning in a theoretical context. But how does it practically apply to a student experience in an educational system or charter school like NDCHS? Let's look at a (fictional) example of a student who enrolls at our school.

One student, let's call her Maya, enters New Dawn Charter High School at age 17 after struggling with attendance and academic performance in her previous high school. Maya is two years behind her peers in credits and feels disconnected in traditional classroom settings.

At New Dawn, Maya encounters a personalized learning approach that transforms her educational experience:

• Individualized learning path. Maya starts with an assessment of her academic strengths and weaknesses. This helps teachers create a personalized learning plan that addresses her specific gaps in knowledge and skills while building on her strengths. For instance, Maya excels in writing but struggles with algebra. Her teachers design lessons and assignments that align with her learning pace and style, allowing her to grasp core concepts at her own speed.
• Flexibility. Understanding Maya's past struggles with testing anxiety, New Dawn offers flexibility in accordance with her IEP Opens in a new browser tab . She's allowed to test in a quiet, non-distracting environment where she receives 25% extra time on assessments. This flexibility boosts her scores and engagement because she feels valued, supported, and not hindered by her disability. Smaller classes and a supportive student population make her less self-conscious about what she needs in order to succeed.
• Supportive mentorship. Maya is assigned a mentor who meets with her regularly to discuss her progress, goals, and challenges. This mentorship goes beyond academics to address Maya's emotional and social well-being Opens in a new browser tab . The mentor serves as a trusted adult who listens to Maya's concerns and provides guidance, which is crucial for someone who felt overlooked in larger, traditional classroom environments.
• Project-based learning. Maya thrives in project-based learning activities where she can apply her knowledge creatively. For example, in a history class, Maya chooses to research and present a project on a lesser-known historical figure who inspires her. This hands-on approach not only deepens Maya's understanding of the subject but also boosts her confidence in her abilities.
• Technology integration. NDCHS leverages technology to enhance Maya's learning experience. Maya uses educational apps and online resources that adapt to her learning pace and provide immediate feedback. This personalized approach helps Maya stay engaged and motivated, as she can track her progress and celebrate small achievements along the way.
• Community support. Through New Dawn, Maya finds a local internship Opens in a new browser tab that matches her vocational goals. The focus on targeted skills development helps Maya form positive relationships with peers in the community who share similar vocational interests. This reduces feelings of isolation and builds a sense of belonging and purpose.

Over time, Maya's experience at NDCHS transforms her from a disengaged and under-credited student to a confident learner who is on track to graduate. The personalized learning approach not only addresses Maya's academic needs but also nurtures her personal growth and resilience. Maya's success story demonstrates the power of personalized learning to help students who have faced academic challenges achieve their full potential.

Ready for your student to excel with personalized learning?

NDCHS provides a unique opportunity for over-aged and under-credited high school students who need a more personalized approach to education. With a school culture focused on both individuals and collective success, New Dawn is able to provide an educational approach that is uniquely innovative and encouraging for students who are underserved in traditional educational settings Opens in a new browser tab . If you think your student would be a good fit for New Dawn, check out our enrollment and admissions page Opens in a new browser tab .