Conventional classroom teaching is based on the teacher as content provider directed at the middle. However, because there are so few kids that ever truly ‘fit the average’, most of us parents have experienced worries and frustrations when our kids are either out ahead on their own and bored, or left behind. As Maths learning builds along clear learning trajectories, there’s probably no subject that causes us more anxiety if our kid is losing interest or falling by the wayside.
Individualized learning is a concept that has developed as an antidote to traditional ‘teaching to the middle’ but it is still hard to implement in a typical classroom setting. It’s an area where online learning has much potential. Mark Anderson, Principal of Koa Academy, a high-engagement online school says, “Done well, there’s significant scope for individualized learning online across all subject areas; and it is highly effective when it comes to Maths education. At Koa, we use a mastery-based approach that ensures that each learner only moves on when they have a comprehensive grasp of concepts and have mastered their Maths practice sessions. Working in a small, well-connected 8-person Pod means that their teacher is keeping close track on their progress and if a kid gets stuck, then they get lesson time with our dedicated Maths teacher.”
When it comes to Maths at Koa, the online school provides a number of key benefits of individualized learning:
- Collaborating with their Pod teacher, each child sets their weekly Maths targets based on their own pace
- Learners, teachers and parents can track daily progress for each child
- Bookable one-on-one or small group Teacher Time sessions provide Maths specialist support
- There’s a range of additional Maths platforms that are available for learners to boost skills, so they can access a mode of learning that suits them best
- If any learner requires more than the in-house support, then the school partners with parents to help them access that assistance for their child
Mark advises parents: “Remember that Maths requires patience, practice and confidence. Message that consistently and gently with your kids rather than the more common message that ‘Maths is hard’. If you are looking to supplement what your school is doing in Maths, there are lots of Maths platforms and programmes out there – many of them free – which you can tap into to help boost your child’s Maths. This is the beauty of individualized learning in the online space.”
Discover Koa Acadamy here
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