There is no shortage of learning methods, techniques or strategies in today’s day and age. With access to multiple forums and software, learning has become somewhat of a commodity and personalized skill. Whether you’re purchasing a learning tool like Grammarly to help you write more effectively or watching free YouTube and LinkedIn Learning videos to solve a math problem, we no longer live in a world where everyone learns and retains information in the same way.
For example, some are kinetic learners and need to be constantly moving around to grasp a complex concept – think of your elementary school years and learning about the earth’s orbit around the sun. Auditory learners enjoy listening to material to grasp an idea better – think of audiobooks and podcasts. There are multiple types of learning, but they are all under the umbrella of personalized learning.
Personalized learning is a teaching model based on the premise that students acquire a “learning plan” based on how they learn, what they know, what their skills are and where their interests lie. In fact, personalized learning allows students – like you – to take charge of their learning and achieve their goals in the most effective way possible by involving tailored instruction and curriculum to meet their needs. While every seasoned educator across the country doesn’t necessarily agree upon this method, many universities and scholars are looking into the benefits of personalized learning and even encouraging students to partake by acknowledging their learning process and pushing themselves toward their goals, on their own.
By taking charge of your learning, you can open up a world of possibilities and learning you never thought possible. Some possibilities include creating a continuum of learning, where once you feel you’ve mastered a concept, you can move forward with confidence. This, in turn, leaves no room for doubt or wasting time until you advance. Other possibilities include allowing learning to become less individualized and more coach-centric, where students can work alongside their teacher when they need help instead of remaining silent or alienated. A final possibility can be allowing students to set goals for themselves or create individual plans to ensure work is turned in on time.
While it may be difficult to transform your course outline or dynamic, there are multiple ways you can personalize your learning to become an advanced learner and productive student. Here are just a few:
Set A Learning Goal(s)
Let’s face it – not every class can seem ideal. Some classes might not impact or interest you as much as others would. Perhaps, you’re a Bible major and need to take a mathematics course. Or you’re an information systems graduate student and need to take history. The fact of the matter is, no matter the class you take, you should set some kind of learning goal to aspire to. Maybe you want to better understand equations so you can help your kids with their math homework, or maybe you want to just know when the Declaration of Independence was signed for the next trivia night. By setting a learning goal for yourself, you can begin to personalize your learning and studying habits to achieve your goals by the end of the course. Psychology Today recommends using the SMART method:
- Specific: Goals with an actionable plan
- Measurable: Goals created with measurable benchmarks
- Realistic: Goals with realistic timelines
- Time-specific: Goals that are consistent with your academic calendar and your other responsibilities
Achieving the goal can look like several different ways depending on the type of learner you find yourself to be. Before you know it, you’ll notice how you’re getting closer to meeting your goals and learning exactly what you set out to achieve.
Test Yourself
They say that true comprehension comes from being able to recall material from memory and explain it in your own words. That’s why testing yourself is considered one of the best ways to gauge how well you know something. Studies have shown that testing yourself helps improve retention, improve your mental organization, allow for the transfer of knowledge from one subject to the next and prevent new material from interfering with prior material. However, this too can look different for every person.
Some methods are:
- Conduct a Brain Dump – Take a few minutes to write down all the information you know on a scrap paper. By putting the important information on paper, you can not only relieve stress but also see if you have the ability to recall the facts and figures you need to know before a major quiz or test.
- Quiz Yourself – Create mini quizzes or flashcards with the information you need to know.
- Explain The Concept to A Friend or Relative – By explaining a concept to a friend or relative who has no prior knowledge, you can test yourself to see if you can articulate information in a simple easy-to-understand, and useful manner.
Take Advantage of Digital Tools
For many, taking notes on paper is not considered the most versatile way to study or function in an online school environment. That’s why it’s important to take advantage of digital tools that can help you complete specific tasks and increase your overall productivity and overall learning experience. While some digital tools utilize AI software or experienced tutors, you can begin to use tools that are simple and effective to personalize your learning.
- The ACU Library – the Brown Library has hundreds of online resources for all your research papers, journal articles, e-books, and historical documents, to help you keep up with your pace for more information. Whether you’re looking for articles to help with your research paper or need an online librarian, using your library is a great – and free – tool to use.
- Grammarly – Grammar is one of the hardest things to master perfectly. That’s why Grammarly, a systemic writing assistant, is the ideal tool to use when you’re looking to see how well your essays are coming along and how your grammar is improving. Plus, Grammarly can be downloaded directly onto your computer so you can start practicing your writing skills.
- LinkedIn Learning – LinkedIn Learning is the premier place to watch the latest courses for in-demand concepts and skills from coding to business. Because LinkedIn Learning is taught by industry experts, you can personalize your learning by selecting key courses that fit your educational needs.
Personalized learning is something new and exciting. At ACU, we are committed to helping each of our students advance in their courses and degree programs by providing resources and dedicated staff. With people like Student Wellness Manager Abbey Green, and Student Engagement Manager LaShae Grottis, ACU has always had a deep interest in helping students learn a few tools and tricks to personalize their learning experience for their overall academic success.
Are you interested in personalizing your learning experience? Talk with one of our admissions counselors today and see how ACU Online can help you. Call us at 855-219-7300 or connect via chat at acu.edu/online.