Hey Coach,

As a teacher, I am focused on improving my self-efficacy and positively impacting student achievement. I want to accomplish this by incorporating research-based instructional practices, such as personalized learning and differentiation. Sometimes these strategies seem so similar - can you explain the difference between both of these instructional approaches?

Sincerely,
Self-Efficacy

Dear Self-Efficacy,

To answer your question, I would like to begin by activating some context clues here. Differentiation originates from the root word ‘different’. On the other hand, personalized learning is a phrase, which originates from two root words: ‘person’ and ‘learn’.

Differentiation, therefore, incorporates multiple instructional modalities to accommodate the learner. The emphasis on differentiation is to vary the instructional delivery methods for the learners in order to address multiple learning preferences. Here is an example of how differentiation may look in an instructional setting: 

A math teacher has students rotate through the following four stations in her classroom: (i) computer station for math games and technology integration, (ii) station for manipulatives to encourage hands on learning, (iii) collaboration station to encourage peer interaction during problem solving, or (iv) independent station to encourage flexible pacing.

To define Personalized Learning, the primary emphasis is on the personal or individual needs of the learners, not the instructional methods; remember the root words as your clue - person and learn. Therefore, consider personalized learning as an intentional effort where the diverse needs of learners will determine the delivery method. To effectively personalize student learning, a data driven approach is absolutely necessary. Know that your data does not have to be a lengthy assessment; it could be student verbal feedback, student engagement, student interest, evidence of mastery, etc. 

We can use the same math classroom to illustrate an example of personalized learning:

When a math teacher assigns a project, rather than pre-determine stations, students are asked to deliberate on their interpretations of the assigned project and choose how they would like to complete the project. The teacher also uses assessment data, as well as observations about student interest and engagement level as s/he gauges their needs and how to provide additional support. These preliminary efforts by the teacher are all data-driven efforts to personalize learning for the students. After listening and making observations to understand their different interpretations of how to execute the math project, the teacher may determine it is necessary to include another station for whole or small group instruction and redeliver content for students who require additional support. 

To summarize, differentiation and personalized learning are inclusive instructional approaches, which require a high level of intentionality. However, personalized learning takes it a step further as a student-centered instructional approach. In case you forget the difference again, remember your context clues: Differentiation is focused on different strategies, while personalized learning is focused on the personal or individual needs of the learner. To explore additional resources, consider the following white paper and essential conditions for personalized learning.

Yours Sincerely,
Coach