Personalized Learning in 13 Blogs: Step 1

Step 1. For me…, the first step was to accept that I was ready to take on something new. Personalized learning requires a different kind of thinking for students and teachers. I had to accept that I was going to step outside my comfort zone and release CONTROL. You may not think that’s a big deal, but for someone with many Type-A personality traits, it is a huge deal. I wanted the students to take more responsibility for their learning. I had tried giving my first graders more choices, teaching them to set goals, and reflect on them. They were successful to a degree and appreciated the opportunity. There was no reason why I couldn’t expect to make more progress with third graders. And the icing on the cake was: I had my principal’s backing and my co-teacher’s support. That was promising knowledge, but it was still going to be uncharted waters. Good thing I believe all things are possible. (For those of you without support, I can only say I am sorry, but keep at it. It is going to be worth it.)