Dynamic Student Grouping in Blended Learning Programs
The greatest strength of the blended learning approach is the ability to personalize the instruction and address the individual needs of each student in a more effective manner. Students are able to progress at a pace more appropriate for their skill level and teachers can lead small groups of students who need additional help with a particular content issue.
An Example of Dynamic Student Grouping
In the infographic, a traditional class of 20 students is evaluated for their competency in each subject area. Students are grouped by their mastery of the content.
Students in Group 1 require more direct intervention. Their activities include small group sessions with the on-site teacher and time online working with specialized curriculum to help them build their foundational skills.
Students in Group 2 are in danger of falling behind and, again, direct intervention is in order. The administrator of this program has decided that sessions with both online and on-site teachers will help these students move to the next level.
Group 3 students are showing greater mastery and more competency in the subject area, and are completing some of their curriculum online individually. In addition, these students are working on an enrichment project in a student group.
Students in Group 4 show the highest level of mastery and are working both in groups and through online classes on enrichment.
Notice that in both cases of project work, students from all groups are invited to participate. This mixed grouping encourages struggling students to learn from their peers and students with greater mastery to exhibit leadership skills, a key component in 21st century learning and skill development.
Assessments of students is not conducted one time, but on a continuous basis throughout the program. Students advance from one group to another and generate a continuing cycle of learning and achievement.