Individualized Learning: An Introduction

Individualized learning is the designing and implementing of courses or sections of courses in formats suitable for individual, independent study. It involves clearly specifying what students must learn, and then organizing the available resources so that this can be done in the ways and at the times most suitable for particular individuals. In this last respect it stands in opposition to fixed time, large or small group methods like lectures, tutorials and laboratory classes. Common features of the various methods of individualized learning are an emphasis on:
1. Learning rather than teaching.
2. Student activity.
3. Clearly expressed aims and objectives.
4. The opportunity for students to work independently at their own pace.
5. Frequent self-assessment, and thus feedback on progress made.
6. The use of a variety of media, for example, books, models, specimens, slides, audio and/or video tapes, and film.