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Personalised learning starts with the learner and asks the question, “What does this student need to understand, and how best can that happen?” Such an approach is becoming more and more significant in the classroom as 21st Century Learning skills are being embedded into curriculums and into classroom learning. This student-centered approach builds around the notion of recognising the vast differences in students. It is an authentic need to know.

So how do I create a personalised learning activity?

Step 1 - Determine the Learning Outcome

This step is no different to organising any other lesson. First thing required is to determine your learning outcome and learning intention.

Step 2 - Ascertain the final product

Next, the teacher needs to determine what the student is to submit. For example, if the task requires a literacy outcome, part of the teaching and learning activity will require a reading or writing component.

Step 3 - Which teaching model is most appropriate for my students?

There are a number of teaching models that you can use in your classroom. What is more beneficial, is that these all support various pedagogical approaches. The most common personalised learning activities are

• 5 W’s

• Blooms Taxonomy

• Blooms and Gardner's Multiple Intelligences Grid

• Learning Across Capabilities

5W's questions students on Why, What, When, Where and How? This is a great task when students are to curate information or a project based on parameters that they may select themselves.

Blooms Taxonomy personalised learning activities allows students to complete tasks at particular learning stages. This provides Gifted and Talented students the ability to extend themselves whilst supporting students whom are receiving additional assistance in the classroom. Activities range from lower order thinking to higher order thinking.

Blooms and Gardners Multiple Intelligences Grid is a matrix that combines Blooms Taxonomy with Gardners Multiple Intelligences. Students can select activities based on their preference of learning and their ability levels to demonstrate critical thinking and deep understanding.

Learning Across Capabilities personalised learning activities break down the ACARA National Curriculum capabilities to provide students with more structured and outcome based learning tasks. This new style of teaching and learning is being integrated into schools across Australia.

Step 4 - Work out which digital resources can be used to create the work

We all have a list of technologies that we enjoy using and a list of tools that we would like to try. This is a perfect opportunity for teachers to introduce new learning tools. To find out about new tools that teachers are using, using social media sites such as twitter and LinkedIn are a great way to determine which tools are more successful at engaging students.

Step 5 - Create the learning Activity

The templates and completed examples for each of these personalised learning opportunities can be found online (Check with Chelsea if this is ok). Create the task with all of your students abilities in mind. Don't forget to include to include tasks that students can complete regardless of learning ability or personal knowledge. If students have an individualised learning plan, it should be referred to throughout this process.