Traditional Learning vs. Adaptive Learning
What are some differences between traditional learning and adaptive learning?
Jo,
Usually students can last about 20 minutes now without losing interest. Good idea to break up lectures.
Renee Shaffer
Traditional learning is teacher-centered while adaptive learning is student-centered. The emphasis in traditional learning is on teacher instruction, listening and lectures while adaptive learning is based on inquiry, self-assessment and is individually paced. I notice in the classroom when I have to lecture for the full two hour period that about one-half the class has lost interest or have absorbed as much as they can the first hour and are not learning the last hour.
A traditional learning environment consists of a teacher with (seemingly) all the knowledge and holding the key to everything the students need to know. The students in turn sit and listen to what the teacher deems necessary to share/impart to their class.
An adaptive learning environment may look a little chaotic in logistical nature but is so individualized that the teacher facilitates and monitors the learning environment while students drive their own educational experience. The adaptive piece is that the curriculum and delivery of that curriculum is determined by each student and their abilities. This comes from prior knowledge of the subject at hand which can be from years beforehand, on their own time outside of class, or even in the moment as they digest the topic of the day. The key is that the curriculum adjusts to what the student needs and where they are in the learning process.
Dale,
Great that it is working at your institution!
Renee Shaffer
I am currently teaching my first course that is an adaptive format. I am amazed at how I am able to track students and how well they are doing. No two students are alike. Their lessons are based on a pretest of how well they know the material. Some are better then others, thus they get different assignments. In the traditional setting, it was more of a one size fits all. Everyone does the same work, and many of the students breeze through it, thus getting bored with the content.
Some differences between traditional learning and adaptive learning are traditional learning is teacher-centered while adaptive learning is student-centered. In traditional learning students are matched by age and ability, in adaptive learning students are matched by responses to assignments. Textbooks, lectures and written assignments are use in traditional learning, software, engaging activities and case studies are use in adaptive learning. Direct instructions and listening is emphasized in traditional learning while self-assessment and individual paced material is emphasized ins adaptive learning.
