Educators and learners are becoming increasingly aware that a one size fits all approach to education is not working.
Traditional classroom-based learning in many cases only services the middle ability students, as if you finish the task quickly and want to look into a topic more intensively you are held up by the class. Conversely, if you are struggling with the topic and want to back track and review a related topic to aid your understanding you do not have time, as the group has moved onto the next topic. So what is the answer to this problem? How can educators account for mixed ability classes and give the best experience to all the learners in a group?
One of the solutions that Pearson has developed is the Knewton system of adaptive learning. Adaptive learning provides learners with a unique learning path based on their skills and what they need to improve on to reach their goal.
The courses on the Knewton platform are updated in real time, individualised and students can work at a pace that works for them. The courses are accessible from anywhere with an internet connection and, as teachers don’t have to pitch lectures for 60-70 students, they can be more focused. Points, badges and other game mechanics are used to keep engagement high. There isn’t a set study plan that students follow from the start of the course – it continually adapts to the student.
Languagelab also makes use of adaptive learning technology in several ways. In its most basic form it allows the student to choose their learning path. They can select from 100s of classes per month based on their goals. For example, a student may need to travel to a the USA to work, therefore they may choose to attend an IELTS preparation class in order to have their visa granted to them. They could take part in a Market Leader Business English meeting class to give them practice of chairing a meeting. Lastly, they could attend a pronunciation class with an American teacher to get used to an American accent.
Languagelab students select from 100s of classes per month based on their goals
This personalised learning path enables a learner to choose a path that is right for them at any given time. A more involved method of adaptive learning is Languagelab’s recommendation engine. Teachers recommend which skills students need to improve on after each class, for example; grammar, pronunciation, reading. These recommendations then form a list of recommended classes that a student can attend. This real time feedback ensures that students get help and are guided to the classes which would benefit them in addition to choosing their own learning path.
Learners’ needs are becoming increasingly more specific, especially online. An example group currently studying with Languagelab are Brazilian Air Traffic controllers who need to achieve and maintain ICAO level 4 Operational. They need to understand General English and be familiar with accents from all over the world. They also need to have 24/7 classes due to shift work and all the students have different learning styles. With the breadth of topics available to Languagelab students, our worldwide community and the recommendation engine for skills improvement, this group are experiencing a high degree of adaptive learning.
To cater to the increasingly specific needs of learners, the future of both online and face-to-face education must be as flexible and adaptive as possible.
- Jessica Driscoll, Product Manager at Languagelab.com