Our learning ability is becoming increasingly agile as technologies and methodologies improve. This agility gives us the flexibility to customize lessons, assignments and assessments in ways teachers have never before been able to. Adaptive learning is a method of delivering instruction that adapts to each student’s needs. Educators often use it to personalize learning for students and can be used in multiple settings, from K-12 classrooms to corporate training programs.

Adaptive learning is different from other teaching methods because it dynamically changes the content being presented based on how well a student masters it. This allows instructors to deliver content at an appropriate difficulty level for each student, rather than presenting material at one level for all learners.

The process of adaptive learning involves four significant components: analysis and modeling, machine learning and artificial intelligence, content optimization, and personalization. It’s based on the principle that every student has a unique set of needs and abilities, and it aims to help them reach their potential by providing instruction tailored to their specific needs. Research has shown that adaptive learning tools improve outcomes for students of all ages and subject areas. 

Advantages of Adaptive Learning

As the education landscape has changed over the past decade, so have the expectations for innovation in classrooms. Educators now have access to digital tools, from interactive whiteboards and online resources, that allow them to customize lessons and provide individualized instruction. This is especially true for early education programs, where students are often grouped by age with slight variation in ability levels or interests among classmates.

Adaptive learning can be used in any subject or grade level, but it is most commonly applied to reading and math because these subjects are taught through multiple grade levels. Adaptive learning allows teachers to tailor instruction to meet the needs of individual learners by adjusting the speed, difficulty and type of questions presented based on a student’s responses. 

The benefits of adaptive learning go beyond just increasing efficiency in the classroom. It also gives teachers more time to focus on individual students’ needs while improving student engagement through personalized learning experiences. Here are some of the advantages of adaptive learning in school:

👉 Teachers Can Personalize Learning for Each Student

Teachers can use adaptive technology to provide frequent formative assessments throughout a lesson to identify where each student needs more support or challenge. Teachers can then use this information to adjust instruction accordingly during the lesson so that each student is challenged appropriately. This ensures that no student is falling behind in class or missing out on essential concepts because they’re too far ahead of other students in their class.

👉 Students Learn at Their Own Pace

Adaptive learning allows students to move through lessons at their own pace. Students may be able to complete lessons quickly or take more time on certain concepts if they need it. This allows students to learn at an appropriate rate, rather than being required to move through material quickly or slowly based on the class average. These systems are especially effective for students who find that their understanding of the material is different from what was expected—for instance, if they don’t remember certain vocabulary or concepts from class or need extra practice on specific skills. 

👉 Increased Engagement

Students can learn at their own pace and get immediate feedback on their progress, which helps them stay engaged in the lesson. This means that students who struggle with a concept or skill will be less likely to become frustrated and disengage from the class altogether. In addition, because adaptive learning systems are based on data collection and analysis, they can tailor lesson plans differently. Likewise, if a lesson or topic interests a student, the system will expand on it to keep that student engaged.

👉 Improved Test Scores

Students who receive individualized instruction tend to score higher on standardized tests than students who receive traditional instruction. This is because they can focus on topics they need more help with instead of being forced to move through the material at a specific pace regardless of their ability level.

👉 Better Understanding of Concepts and Skills

When students receive individualized instruction, they can take time with each concept or skill until they fully understand it before moving on to the next. This means they have a better grasp of the material and can apply it more effectively in future situations outside school. There are many types of adaptive learning software programs available today. Many of these programs allow teachers to create content, assign quizzes and exams, and track student progress through the coursework. Some programs even offer analytics reports that show educators how well their students are doing in each subject area to make adjustments if needed.

Adaptive learning is not a one-size-fits-all solution. While it can support some forms of learning, it is vital that teachers avoid quickly jumping on the bandwagon without appropriately considering the pedagogical or strategic benefits and repercussions.

Square Panda’s comprehensive programs use an adaptive learning model to provide personalized learning experiences. Our programs incorporate multisensory elements, storytelling, music, and games to encourage lively, interactive lessons and develop solid foundations for lifelong learning. To know more, visit ecce.squarepanda.in

Education plays a vital role in shaping the future of our country, as it helps develop a young student’s personality in a holistic manner and even significantly influences their career. 

With the development of learning technologies and the advent of e-learning, today’s teachers are responsible for not just presenting classroom content but also adapting curriculum, providing feedback, and guiding real-time discussions in their classrooms. Teachers must produce much more material than they used to, while also keeping in touch with individual students who learn outside the classroom or through remote collaboration. This is where teacher training comes in. It provides opportunities to learn new skills and improve upon existing ones through professional development activities that are aligned with the school’s instructional goals.

If a teacher feels prepared for the challenge at hand and has the resources necessary to do their job well, they are more likely to perform at their peak capacity and positively impact student performance. As such, it’s essential that teachers receive effective training during their early years in the classroom. 

Teachers who are not fully prepared to meet the needs of their students may fail to deliver quality instruction or provide support for struggling students. For example, a teacher who lacks content knowledge or teaching skills may struggle to engage all students in lessons or provide appropriate support for struggling learners. As a result, these students may lack progress towards achieving their academic goals and disengage from school altogether. In addition, schools with poorly trained teachers tend to have higher dropout rates, lower student achievement levels, and behavioural problems among students.

Why is Training Important for Teachers?

Teachers are the most valuable resources within a school system. They are responsible for developing young minds and helping children achieve their full academic potential. Teachers must be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to teach effectively. Teachers’ responsibilities extend beyond the classroom, too. They must counsel troubled students on professional and personal matters, enforce school rules, discipline unruly students, and participate in school events with pupils. Many issues affect children’s learning habits, such as poverty, abuse, or neglect. They should also understand how these issues can affect a child’s behaviour in school. Teachers should learn how to identify signs of emotional problems in students and how best to address them.

Teachers also play an essential role in helping students develop the social skills needed to succeed. Students learn to interact with others and share ideas and opinions with other people. Teachers must nurture these skills in their students to become good citizens who contribute to society.

To teach effectively, teachers must have a thorough knowledge of the subject they are teaching and good communication skills. They should be able to explain complex concepts clearly so that their students understand them easily. In addition, teachers must also have excellent interpersonal skills to motivate students who may find certain subjects difficult or tedious. Training teachers is an excellent way to ensure they are equipped with the necessary skills and improves their effectiveness to give every child a better chance at a good education. 

Embracing Technological Advancements

The increasing demand for online courses combined with the technologically-savvy student population means that teachers must be adequately trained to use new technology in the classroom. From interacting with technology and its nuances to the criticality of a positive mindset, there is no denying the importance of teacher training in understanding online resources and methodologies that help them create a more compelling online teaching environment.

With more complicated subjects and demanding students, teachers need to be more knowledgeable about their subjects than ever. Teachers in all subjects need to reevaluate their teaching practices and skills initially to respond to changes within the classroom and new teaching methods. This means that they need Continuous Professional Development throughout their careers and during their training.

Although an online program may seem like an easy way out of a physical classroom setting, it requires just as much dedication as attending classes at a brick-and-mortar college campus does — if not more! It takes hard work and determination, just like any other type of education does! Teachers trained in an online environment tend to be more confident and knowledgeable about using technology in their teaching. In addition, they can create appropriate learning environments for students who may require extra support because of the physical or emotional challenges they face.

By working together and empowering our teachers, we can help spread the joy of the pursuit of knowledge to classrooms everywhere. 

Square Panda India’s teacher training programs enable educators to teach students effectively and engage them on a personal level. We empower them to transform their classrooms into a space where students learn through personalization and collaboration. To know more, visit ecce.squarepanda.in

The parent-teacher relationship is one of the essential factors in a child’s education. Good relationships between teachers and parents can help create an outstanding learning environment that allows children to overcome the difficulties they face academically. When parents and teachers work together, they can build upon the home-school relationships that are already in place, creating an environment where kids can excel.

When parents feel connected to the school, they are more likely to receive information about their child’s academic performance and behavior from teachers and administrators. This helps families understand how to be effective partners in their child’s education by knowing what resources are available when needed and how to support their child at home. A recent study demonstrated that a robust parent-teacher relationship during the pandemic lockdown helped students academically and emotionally.

Role of Parents and Teachers in Child’s Education

👩‍🏫 Teachers

Teachers are often the first contact point for parents with their child’s education. A great parent-teacher relationship is based on mutual respect, understanding, trust, and a shared vision for the child. To build this relationship, follow these tips:

• Create a welcoming environment: Make sure parents know what’s expected at drop-off and pick-up times. Post directions for parking, early dismissal, and late arrivals in your classroom. Provide directions to get to the school, as well as information about upcoming events and activities.

• Be friendly and approachable: Parents may not have time to visit with you during the day, but they still want to feel like they can come to you if they have questions or concerns about their child’s progress or behavior in class. Be available after school so that parents can easily reach you by phone or email when necessary. Patient is essential when dealing with parents reluctant to be involved in their child’s education, since not all parents feel comfortable communicating with educators. Some may simply lack the confidence to speak up during meetings or conferences. Initiate conversations with such parents and let them speak their minds. 

• Be honest: Don’t hide information from parents about their child’s progress or behavior. If you’re concerned about something, talk to the parents about it as soon as possible so they can help their child improve. Parents should also feel free to share any concerns with you, so they can work together to solve problems.

• Listen carefully and respond thoughtfully: Parents may have questions about their child’s behavior and performance at home, so listen carefully and try to address their concerns without making judgments or assumptions about what might be going on at home that could be impacting schoolwork or behavior issues in class. Don’t get defensive or blame parents for their children’s problems. Instead, offer suggestions for ways they might support their child’s learning at home that will help improve performance in class.

• Don’t make promises you can’t keep: Teachers shouldn’t promise results from anything beyond what they’re responsible for — if you’re a reading teacher, don’t promise improvements in math skills because there is little you can do to influence those skills outside your classroom directly. However, if you see the potential for growth in those areas, encourage parents to seek assistance elsewhere.

👪 Parents

The benefits of having a solid parent-teacher relationship extend far beyond the classroom. Parents are a child’s first teacher and are often the most influential in shaping their child’s behavior. Parents can be a valuable resource for teachers, helping them understand students’ needs and challenges outside school. In turn, teachers can help parents become better advocates for their children at home and in the community. The following tips can help you build a positive relationship with your child’s teacher:

• Get to know your child’s teacher: After the first few days of school, ask your child what they like and don’t like about their teacher. This will give you insight into how to approach them when necessary and allow you to get acquainted with your child’s class teacher. 

• Be supportive of your child’s teacher: It can be challenging for teachers when students misbehave in class or don’t pay attention during instruction time. But instead of making excuses for them or complaining about the situation, try being supportive by offering encouragement. You can do this by saying, “I know he’s trying his best” or “I’m sure she’ll figure out how to help him.” Your positive attitude will go a long way!

• Parent-teacher communication: It can be intimidating to talk to your child’s teacher, especially if you’re unsure what to say or feel you’re wasting their time. But it’s vital that you communicate regularly with your child’s teacher, so they know who they will be teaching and how best to reach them. If there are any issues or concerns about behavior or progress in school, tell the teacher, so they can address them early on before they become more significant problems down the road.

• Avoid missing PTA meetings: Be involved in school activities like open houses and parent-teacher meetings. This helps build relationships with other parents and shows them that you’re serious about being involved in the education process at all levels. Parent-teacher conferences are a great way to get a feel for how your child interacts with their teacher. At these meetings, you can ask questions about your child’s progress, address concerns and learn more about what your child learns in class daily.

• Be respectful: It can be challenging for teachers when parents disrespect them or believe they’re responsible for their children’s behavior at school — but it happens more than we realize! If you don’t agree with something a teacher says, respectfully explain why and try to devise a solution that works best for everyone involved — including yourself!

Square Panda’s learning interventions seek to engage every stakeholder of the learning ecosystem in a comprehensive manner, and help them realize their learning objectives. To know more, visit ecce.squarepanda.in