Navigating Hub Teaching: Personalized Path and Pace

The beauty of collaborative action is that there’s no hierarchy. The collective learns together with a mindset that no one knows the answer; there’s no right or wrong response. When it’s time to act, the group does so together. When we enact collaborative action, the members aren’t dependent on an expert but rather they are interdependent upon each other.

Our “research moments” continue to be a valuable source of inspiration and shared learning in our hub teaching journey. This week, Sheilah took the lead, presenting a thought-provoking YouTube video titled “Personalized Path and Pace”.

The video explores the concept of personalized learning, where students progress at their own pace and receive targeted instruction based on their individual needs. This resonated deeply with our team, particularly in the context of creating a dynamic and personalized math learning environment within our hub model.

Because we have 7–8 teachers in the Hub, we can work smarter rather than harder, taking this model and scaling it.

Here’s how “Personalized Path and Pace” is sparking ideas for our hub:

• Differentiation in a Hub Setting: Traditionally, differentiation in a classroom often involves different activities based on student levels. However, the hub model offers a unique opportunity to create multiple learning stations with varied difficulty and approaches. Students can then choose the activities that best suit their current needs and learning styles.
• Flexible Grouping: The video emphasizes the importance of flexible grouping for personalized learning. In our hub, this could translate to dynamic groups formed around specific skills or concepts, allowing students to learn from and support each other across different levels.
• Technology as a Tool for Personalization: The video showcases online learning platforms that can provide personalized instruction and practice. We can leverage similar tools in our hub, allowing students to access differentiated resources at their own pace.

However, we recognize that effective personalization requires more than just varied activities.

• Formative Assessment: Regular formative assessments are crucial to understanding each student’s progress and tailoring instruction accordingly. In our hub, this might involve quick check-ins during rotations, observations of student work, and exit tickets after learning stations.
• Teacher Collaboration: Personalized learning demands strong collaboration among educators. We will need to share student data, discuss individual needs, and plan differentiated learning opportunities together, leveraging the strengths of each team member.

The “Personalized Path and Pace” video has ignited a stimulating conversation around how we can bring personalization to life within our hub. We’re excited to explore these ideas further, drawing on research, international practices, and our collective expertise to create a math learning environment that caters to the unique needs of each student.

In the comments below, share your thoughts on personalizing learning in collaborative environments!

Do you have any questions or experiences you’d like to share?