Education
can predict future patterns for learning, giving teachers the tools necessary to prepare an
appropriate curriculum for their students.
Teacher Adaptation: Teachers develop a new approach to instructing their students
when ad opting personalized learning. In a typical classroom, there are students who are
ahead of the curve and students behind the curve, with very few considered to be on the
curve. A teacher typically aims to teach on the curve, with students on either end falling
short of their learning capabilities. Personalized learning gives faculty the ability to spend
more time tailoring their approach on an individual level.
Use Case: A high school in San Diego is currently implementing the personalized learning
approach in classrooms after receiving a $10 million grant aimed at making high schools
more personal. The effort launched two years ago with a small group of students. After
seeing firsthand the academic success of these students, the school decided to take the
approach school-wide by introducing one grade level every year, starting with the freshmen
of 2017.
PRESCHOOL TRENDS IN EARLY
CHILDHOOD LEARNING
Early childhood learning has been studied by educators,
lawmakers and researchers for years to identify the
importance of learning at a young age. Research has
confirmed that when educators provide a valuable
education to early learners, the benefits last a lifetime.
According to Educa, preschool stakeholders across
the U.S. are addressing the need for a standard in
consistency and quality in early education. States
are taking a look at child care centers, daycares and
preschools to develop an accreditation program that
ensures quality in a number of areas including learning
environment, increased parent engagement, teacher
experience and quality center management.
Along with quality standardization, there are other trends to keep an eye on for early
learners:
• Student Assessment – The achievement gap is often used to assess the output of
students in different socioeconomic groups, measuring grade point averages, test scores
and dropout rates. Since preschoolers aren’t likely dropping out of school, early learning
centers focus on the importance of providing ongoing education and supporting
students from a young age. This includes reading to children, engaging them in everyday
conversations, establishing routines and using positive reinforcement.
• Classroom Technology – Although use of technology in early learning is still heavily
debated, it is proving to be a valuable resource to students who may not as easily have
access to learning materials. According to the Pew Research Center, 73 percent of
households have a computer with internet accessibility, providing a platform for early
learners to participate in effective online education from their homes.
• ECSEL Skills – Teachers are encouraged to incorporate Emotional Cognitive Social Early
Learning (ECSEL) into lesson plans for
preschoolers. At a young age, emotions are
the tool of choice for children to express
themselves. Encouraging early learners
to be confident and understanding at
a young age provides an important
platform for growth into
adolescence. ■
Sewickley | Fall 2017 | icmags.com 27