Personalised learning is a way to break away from the assembly line aspect of the educational system. Keep reading to learn more about the history of the public education system and how personalised learning could help you.
Towards the end of the 19th century, under the influence of the enlightenment and industrial revolution, the British government established a system of free and compulsory public education. This system of education is referred to by some as factory-model education, where ‘schools are 'designed to create docile subjects and factory workers'’. Children were educated in batches according to their age; their main focus was to memorise the syllabus so that they could score high marks in school exams.
According to the educationalist Sir Ken Robinson, our current educational systems are still based on an industrial paradigm of education. For example, we still associate school with ringing bells, separate facilities and educating in batches — all features of the 19th century education system. In particular, grouping children by age instead of ability means that ‘summer-born’ children in the UK must start school earlier than their peers, and are often at a disadvantage when going through standardised testing.
Every student possesses a unique set of talents and interests. Unlike the standard factory model of education, personalised learning is an educational approach that aims to customise learning to each student’s strengths, needs, skills and interests. Although this may seem like a modern invention, the concept of a personalised education experience has been around for a number of years. According to historical documentation, one of the first recorded instances of personalised learning occurred in the late 1800s in Colorado, where students were allowed to move at their own pace in the learning environment.
Through personalised learning, students are more in control of their own learning and more engaged and motivated to do well. Furthermore, they will be able to gain the tools they need to become active learners, meaning that they are well prepared for life beyond the classroom. According to a recent study by RAND Corporation, personalised learning can improve achievement for pupils regardless of their starting level of experience.
So, if personalised learning works so well, why do we still educate children in batches? And why do we expect them to sit certain tests at certain ages? The answer is that we are still researching ways to implement personalised learning effectively. In order to provide personalised learning in a traditional classroom, educators must adjust their approach, pace and style of teaching to individual learners and their needs. In a class of 30 children that is almost impossible. While some schools have the resources to build a contemporary curriculum and manage the diversity of learning styles, the majority continue to offer the standardised fast food model of education, which leaves many children lost in the system and unable to cope with standardized tests.
Being stuck in what feels like a production line is a common reason why many people are not happy with their educational journey. They don’t enjoy it. It doesn’t feed their spirit or passion. To transform education into a more effective experience, you must customise it to your own experience and needs. We offer a wide variety of experienced tutors from both academic and creative backgrounds. Together with our consultants, we can help you find the right approach for your child, whether they need to catch up with the school programme or reach further into more advanced learning. If you feel your child would benefit from a more personalised learning experience and a tailored study plan, please contact us here.
