Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
personalised learning
Students have different levels of understanding and ability, and they absorb and process learning materials in different ways and at varying speeds. It is therefore important to adopt a more tailored and personalised approach to teaching in order to enable all students to achieve. This approach focuses on: Individualising the student learning experience, differentiating activities depending on student need, and offering challenge and stimulation in the learning environment.
This should contribute to students having a longer lasting and deeper acquisition of knowledge and improved self-esteem and autonomy as learners. It is an inclusive approach to teaching that attempts to ensure that all students learn well, despite their many differences
(Perry, 2003 ). This is often described as student centred learning and this approach uses differentiated learning and instruction to tailor the student’s curriculum and supporting activities according to need.
Students within the same classroom work together with shared purpose, but each have their own personalised journey through the course curriculum. These interventions may include: Identifying various options for directed reading in module guides and teaching sessions, activities and questioning to enhance higher order thinking, and embedded staged activities to support students' preparation for their assessment.
All of these interventions take place within a wider context in which staff regularly review their students' abilities, potential, and progress. Tutors are encouraged to be flexible in design, delivery, and assessment in order to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student body. Tailoring instruction to each student’s learning style, readiness level and interest
(Turner et al, 2017 ).
Key Principles of Inclusive, Student-Centred Learning
- Design curricula that promote problem solving, independent thinking, and inquiry at every level
- Foster a culture of high expectations by identifying and stretching students who need additional challenge through enrichment, extension activities, and masterclasses
- Embed critical and creative thinking throughout learning activities and assessments
- Provide varied and transparent assessment opportunities, offering choice and clear feedback that supports continuous improvement
- Differentiated learning materials and reading lists to encourage curiosity and accommodate different levels of readiness and interest
- Promote collaboration and employability skills through teamwork, peer and self-assessment, and shared learning
- Recognise and nurture students’ potential for progression, including pathways to postgraduate study
