Pedagogy

Trends in Education: Personalized Learning

In a classroom implementing personalized learning, the curriculum is built around each student's strengths and needs. Learning becomes more open-ended and independent, where the teacher is guiding the students towards their own individual growth. Everyone learns at different speeds and are interested in different subjects that may not align with what they are skilled at. This trend is important to me as an educator, having been a former charter-school student where learning was strictly for achieving high test scores and being admitted into universities. Current education practices suggest an adherence to rules and certain mode of learning, where alternative forms of thinking or coming to a conclusion are not as valid as the classroom model. Without personalized learning to inform the course, students are stifled and may not gain as much from their experience. Students feel unheard and unmotivated to learn if it is inaccessible. 

In order to implement personalized learning, a few elements must be established:

1. A flexible working environment

2. An open dialogue between teacher and student for open and honest feedback, respect.

3. Optimized learning - goal of the class is to teach students what they are interested in learning 

4. Pacing - class isn't too slow or too fast, balance is found in supporting every student

5. Student leadership - students should be independent, and find confidence in their intelligence and feel inspired to keep learning.

An example of personalized learning everyone is familiar with is mentorship - when an expert takes on a men-tee to pass on a skill set or vault of information, they work one-on-one while developing the expertise of the amateur. It can be seen in schools, the workplace, corporate offices, parent-child relationships, internships, etc. 

Looking Towards Examples

Disparities in art education for children in K-12 schools is a nationwide concern for the development of creativity and expression in countless young minds. My time with Pulse Arts in inner-city LA has shown me the immense privilege I've had, to have a supportive group of people and resources behind my growth as an artist. My first official art teacher was in the 10th grade. In high-school, I applied and received a Bridge for Kids financial sponsorship of $1,000 to use towards school and extracurriculur supplies, as well as basic needs. This opportunity gave me so much artistic freedom and joy that I couldn't afford the time or money for. Seeing the same passion for artistic expression and exploration in the students I teach inspires me to impart as much knowledge and curiosity as I can in the shortest time we have available. The impact of guidance and encouragement through any possible means cannot be understated.

P.S Arts is a 501(c)(3) non-profit similar to Pulse Arts in their mission to provide to youth most affected by poverty and systemic racism. They value equity and diversity in their partnerships and who they serve, filling in gaps in local communities with limited resources. Both organizations are aligned with serving social justice and opportunities for artistic expression., as well as engaging the community and circulating local people and ideas. P.S Arts has more options for programs made to be purchased in bundles, compared to Pulse Arts being a smaller organization with a smaller workforce being made to reach out directly to schools for collaboration. Pulse Arts has the same potential for outreach if the workforce numbers were higher- I believe P.S Arts can learn from the more direct approach rather than commodifying their mission and output. 

The McLean Project for the Arts is a non-profit based in Virginia and dedicated to showcasing local artists of the region, as well as providing art education and instruction. Similar to Pulse Arts, the McLean Project exhibits local artists and invites open contact with them on their website. Art classes, art camps, and art instruction (synchronous and online) are offered in partnership with community pillars like senior centers and public schools. It is more accessible than P.S Arts, with slightly more ease of access than the current reach of Pulse Arts. Looking at these non-profits I notice that the difference is in the amont of people involved to make something great: no matter the size of the org, the impact is palpable. The more support these non-profits recieve, the more a positive feedback loop is created to stimulate local communities. Staying connected with the participants and their loved ones, honest and open, is key to maintaining continued progress towards art education and empowerment. Larger orgs can learn from more independent groups about social change and dialogue.