Personalised Learning: How it works, Implementation, Benefits and Challenges

Personalised Learning

Not too long ago, classrooms looked the same for every child. Students were expected to memorise chapters, recite facts, and score well by repeating textbook lines word for word. The focus was on uniformity rather than understanding. But things are changing, and much of that shift has been driven by two powerful forces: technology and educational reform.

With the National Education Policy 2020 pushing for inclusive, flexible, and student-focused learning, schools across India are beginning to move away from one-size-fits-all teaching. At the same time, AI-powered tools are helping teachers track learning gaps, offer real-time feedback, and personalise lessons in ways that simply weren’t possible before.

Personalised learning is at the heart of this shift. It’s about recognising that every student is different. Some understand ideas better with visuals, others through discussion. Some need more time, while others race ahead. A personalised approach gives each child the space and support to learn in their own way, at their own pace.

What is Personalised Learning?

Personalised learning is a teaching method where the instruction, pace, and content are adapted to suit each student’s learning style, interests, and academic level. Instead of treating every student the same, it focuses on what works best for each learner. This could mean changing how a concept is explained, offering different types of assignments, or giving more time to practise a skill.

The idea is to help students learn more deeply by connecting the material to what they already know and how they prefer to learn. Schools that adopt personalised learning strategies have seen real results as well. On average, attendance improves by 12% and dropout rates drop by 15%. This shows that when students feel supported in a way that makes sense to them, they stay more involved in their education.

How Does Personalised Learning Work?

There isn’t just one way to personalise learning. Schools implement it in different forms depending on what their students need and the resources they have. And the results are promising. 76% of teachers believe personalised learning boosts student engagement and academic performance. Here’s how schools make it happen:

  1. Learner Profiles

    Many schools now maintain learner profiles which are detailed records that go far beyond a regular report card. These profiles include each student’s strengths, struggles, interests, learning preferences, and goals. Teachers update them regularly, using observations, assessments, and conversations with students and parents.

    Learner profiles help teachers make smart decisions. For example, if a student learns better through visuals, the teacher might include more videos and diagrams in their lessons. These profiles also encourage students to reflect on their own learning, track their growth, and make changes when something isn’t working.

  2. Personalised Learning Paths

    In many schools, students follow their own learning path. This path changes depending on how they are doing and what they are interested in.

    For instance, a student who’s interested in science might get extra lab sessions or projects, while another who’s strong in writing might dive deeper into storytelling and essays. These learning paths often include a mix of group projects, solo assignments, and one-on-one support, all chosen to fit the student’s needs.

    Even though each path is different, teachers stay involved and keep an eye on progress. If a student starts to fall behind in one subject, extra help is given to make sure they stay on track.

  3. Competency-Based Progression

    In a competency-based system, students move forward only when they’ve mastered a specific skill or concept. The focus here is on what the student knows, not just on passing a test.

    Students are told clearly what they need to learn and are given different ways to show their understanding. A student might write a report, build a project, or even apply the concept in a real-world situation.

    They might work on several competencies at the same time and move on as soon as they’ve nailed one. Teachers provide support wherever needed, ensuring students don’t get left behind. The idea is to make learning continuous, flexible, and meaningful.

  4. Flexible Learning Environments

    Personalised learning also involves changing the actual learning space. Instead of sticking to the traditional classroom layout, some schools arrange rooms based on learning activities.

    For example, there might be a space for group projects, a quiet corner for solo study, and a zone for one-on-one teaching. Timetables can also be adjusted to give more time for small group sessions or focused practice.

    These changes are not always easy to make, especially in schools with limited resources. But when done well, they help create a space where students feel comfortable, supported, and more in control of their learning.

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Benefits of Personalised Learning

Personalised learning can completely change how students experience education. Research shows that students in personalised learning setups score up to 30 percent higher on standardised tests than those in traditional classrooms. Let’s take a closer look at what makes personalised learning so impactful:

Challenges of Personalised Learning

Most educators strive to create the most conducive and customisable learning environment for their students. However, moving from a traditional education method to personalised learning has some challenges. Here’s a look –

1. Challenge: Allowing students to learn at their own pace while ensuring they meet grade-level requirements

Solution: Create a flexible framework that combines personalised learning with grade-level requirements. Use assessments to track progress and allow students to move ahead when they’re ready.

2. Challenge: Integrating data in the school’s IT systems.

Solution: Invest in a user-friendly Learning Management System (LMS) that can easily connect with other school systems. This makes it easier to collect and analyse student data for personalised learning.

3. Challenge: Conducting teacher training for personalised learning.

Solution: Train teachers with workshops and resources to help them use personalised learning methods effectively. Encourage teachers to learn from each other through peer support.

4. Challenge: Timely development and deployment of personalised learning plans.

Solution: Establish a clear process for creating and implementing personalised learning plans. Provide teachers with tools and templates, and use technology to speed up the process.

5. Challenge: Monitoring and evaluation of personalised learning.

Solution: Set up a system to regularly check if personalised learning is working. Collect data on student progress, engagement, and feedback from all involved, and use this information to improve the approach.

How Can Educators Implement Personalised Learning?

Switching to personalised learning doesn’t have to happen overnight. It’s a gradual process. As suggested in NEP 2020, educators can start by using technology, adaptive learning tools, and flexible assessments that meet each student’s needs.

One important benefit you’ll notice is a big jump in student motivation. In personalised learning environments, about 75 percent of students feel engaged with their studies. In traditional classrooms, that number drops to just 30 percent. That alone makes it worth trying.

If you’re planning to bring personalised learning into your school, here are a few practical steps you can begin with:

Learn more about Different Types of Learning Styles.

How Extramarks Can Support Personalised Learning in Your School

If you’re looking for a platform to help you put all of this into practice, Extramarks can be a great choice. Here’s how it helps schools bring personalised learning to life:

  • Custom Batches & Mentorship: Students are grouped based on learning levels and interests, with one-on-one mentorship that gives them the guidance they need.
  • Interactive, Gamified Content: Lessons are designed to match different learning preferences, keeping students interested and involved.
  • Performance Analytics: Teachers can easily track where students are doing well and where they need help, and adjust their teaching accordingly.
  • Smart Assessment Tools: These tools help identify which areas students struggle with, so support can be given exactly where it’s needed.

With these features, Extramarks helps schools build a strong foundation for personalised learning.

Bring Personalised Learning to Life with Extramarks

Empower every student with tailored instruction, engaging content, smart analytics, and adaptive assessments - all in one platform designed for your school.

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Conclusion

Technology is critical to the success of modern educational institutions. As school leaders and educators, it is essential to leverage the best in edtech to enable personalised learning in your school. The best strategy would be to partner with expert organisations like Extramarks to start your journey from a traditional to a personalised learning approach.


Last Updated on June 30, 2025

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