The practice of allowing students to learn at their own pace and according to their own preferred learning style, and to cover those areas of the syllabus or lesson which are necessary to their learning. It is an approach which necessitates the teacher having a clear understanding of the starting point and learning needs of each student, and is part of the wider practice of differentiation. In this approach, which is widely used in the teaching of basic skillsTechniques and attributes acquired through learning, engagement and practice, for example, students may have their own individual action plans and learning objectives.
The practice of encouraging pupils to work separately on individual tasks, for example using work cards, rather than working as a group or class. This alternative meaning does not necessarily imply the practice of differentiation. See also individual learning plan; personalized learning.
Individualized learning, or individualized instruction, is a method of teaching in which content, instructional technology, and pace of learning are based upon the abilities and interest of each learner.
Closely related to personalized learning, goals based on curriculumIn education, a curriculum (or curricula) is broadly defined as the totality of student experiences that occur in the educational process. The term often refers specifically to a planned... designDesign shapes ideas to become practical solutions and propositions for customers and users. Design is all around us, everything man made has been designed. The... and standards may be the same for all students, but the individual learning profile and plan for each student may vary. This is because each learner progresses through the material at different speeds, according to his or her own learning needs and abilities. For example, a student might take longer to progressIn education, progress refers to a student's grasp of essential knowledge and educational skills. In the past, a student was considered to be progressing if they... through a given topic, skip topics that cover information already known, or repeat topics on which they need more help
Adaptive learning technology is an important way to individualize learning.