How to Organize the Classroom for Individualized Lessons
- 1). Arrange classroom furniture with individualization in mind. Use bookshelves, desks, tables and other items to create separate areas within the space for an array of activities. Make areas for conferences between teacher and student, quiet study and reflection, active pursuits and group activities. Leave a large open area where movement can be permitted and set aside spaces that are partially screened from the main part of the room for students who need fewer distractions. Keep in mind that visual and auditory clutter can interfere with learning for some students, so create in the classroom areas where these things are minimized.
- 2). Examine the curriculum and content of the class. Create a detailed list of prerequisite skills, goals and measurable outcomes or objectives. The prerequisite skills list offers a snapshot of the foundation needed by students for success. The goals and objectives provide a detailed map that tells how to move students from wherever they are starting from to proficiency with the class concepts. No journey can be successful without knowing the starting point, the ending goal and the terrain between the two. Organizing for individualization requires that teachers not only know their subject matter intimately but also that they understand the routes that students can take to learn the material.
In addition to a thorough knowledge of the curriculum, a teacher must find or create a wealth of materials that cater to various learning styles. An auditory learner might absorb material most efficiently listening to a recorded lecture while a visual learner may need detailed graphics and illustrations. To truly individualize instruction, offer instruction and information in a variety of formats and create a selection of assignments to provide practice and display of progress. - 3). Design assessments that will gauge the required prerequisite skills and mastery of the curriculum objectives and goals. Organized curriculum is the road map needed for individualized teaching, and assessments are the indicators of progress and effectiveness. Assessments should include formal instruments like tests and criterion-referenced assignments, as well as informal activities, such as observations, anecdotal stories and self-evaluation rubrics and checklists. Assessment is an ongoing process rather than a few isolated instances. It is important to check student progress frequently and to keep detailed records about the outcomes of each activity for each student.
- 4). Manage students in an individualized classroom by creating routines for individual and group work, using learning centers, setting up frequent conferences and discussions, and structuring activities, so students always have a range of options. Use a fluid grouping system around skills to be mastered or goals to be achieved rather than grouping by ability. This will allow you to provide more individualized instruction to students that need it the most and encourage independence among students who are ready for the challenges that it brings. It is also important to use techniques such as partner learning, peer tutoring, project-based assignments and cooperative learning groupings. These strategies push students to greater independence and leave the teacher more able to monitor and guide learning for individuals who need the most assistance.
