Can the workforce of tomorrow effectively be educated by the school model of yesterday? If you ask teachers, parents and students, that’s a big no, according to surveys by One Poll and Talker Research.
Of recent high school graduates surveyed, 65 percent, said they would have liked to have spent more time learning about topics they were passionate about. Giving students time to follow their passions helps with engagement overall and may better prepare students for the various avenues they’re pursuing after graduation — which is important, as only 22 percent of recent graduates felt “very prepared” for their next step, post-graduation.
And parents agree – less than half of parents surveyed (43 percent) believe their child is ready for the “real world” after graduating high school. Perhaps that’s why only half of recent high-school graduates are planning to attend a four-year college or university.
Eighty-six percent of teachers surveyed believe in personalized learning, and the traditional classroom model seems to require a shift as the majority (67 percent) prefer to have fewer than 20 students and 51 percent feel uncertain about their ability to impact their students’ performance in a traditional large-group classroom setting.
The teaching model we developed 22 years ago emphasizes individualized instruction, combined with a flexible schedule, trauma-resilient practices and job skills training. “Most of the students who come to us are behind in credits because they weren’t successful in their previous school. Not everyone thrives in a large classroom listening to a teacher lecture,” explained Shellie Hanes, superintendent. “First, we do a thorough assessment to determine what their learning style is, where they need help and whether their goal is to graduate early, catch up, go to college or enter the skilled workforce after high school. Then we develop a learning plan with them.”
August is Personalized Learning Month, to promote change in the structure of our classrooms and encourage more collaboration and one-on-one teaching with students.
If schools incorporate personalized learning, 52 percent of teachers believe it will provide benefits such as individualized attention and accommodations to meet the needs of students, while 47 percent believe it will create a more engaging and interactive learning experience.
“The more we tailor what and how we teach to the individual student, the more they learn,” added Haines. “And that’s true no matter the skill level of the student – from gifted to those with special needs. We can accomplish this in any classroom setting.”