Personalized Learning Strategies

Last week Google announced Learn Your Way - a research experiment to reimagine the most overused, under-loved artifact in education: the textbook. The problem is obvious: textbooks are one-size-fits-all. Written once, updated rarely, inflicted equally. Great for industrial-scale learning, terrible for actual students. Learn Your Way tries to fix that with AI: a student picks their grade level and interests (sports, music, food). The system then “relevels” the text, swaps out generic examples for personalized ones (Newton’s apple becomes a soccer ball), and builds a personalized core. From there, it spins out multiple formats: immersive text with visuals, section-level quizzes, narrated slides, Socratic dialogues, even mind maps. In a controlled trial with 60 high schoolers, it beat the humble PDF reader across the board: comprehension, retention, and preference. AI is going to fundamentally change education. The way I see it, we will move from: ▪️Standardization → Personalization: Education has been built for scale: 1 teacher, 30 students, 1 chalkboard. AI flips that. Materials adapt to pace and interest; assessment becomes continuous, not blunt. ▪️Knowledge Transfer → Cognitive Coaching: When facts are instantly accessible, memorization stops being the scarce skill. The real edge is knowing when AI is wrong, asking sharper questions, and connecting ideas across disciplines. ▪️Classrooms → Learning Ecosystems: Teachers shift from lecturers to facilitators and motivators. AI covers explanations and drills; humans teach judgment, values, and meaning. Peer learning deepens when everyone brings AI-augmented insights. ▪️Exams → Evidence of Thinking: With AI co-pilots, recall-based tests lose power. Evaluation moves to process, projects, and defense - not “what’s the answer?” but “show your reasoning.” ▪️Scarcity → Abundance (with new inequities): AI promises tutoring for anyone with a smartphone. But access to devices, connectivity, and high-quality models could widen divides. A new gap may emerge between students trained to use AI critically and those who consume it passively. Here's the irony: in making information abundant, AI paradoxically revives the oldest form of teaching. Socrates didn’t assign PDFs; he asked questions until you realized you didn’t know what you thought you knew. His role wasn’t to supply answers but to train skepticism. That is the teacher’s role again. Not to out-explain Gemini, but to show when not to trust it. To cultivate judgment, doubt, and the art of better questions. AI hasn’t reinvented education so much as rerouted it back to its roots: the Socratic method - only now Socrates is paired with a chatbot that never sleeps and never hesitates.

Stop guessing your next move—let a Personal Development Plan guide your progress. A while back, I mentored a professional named Rahul, who felt he was being repeatedly overlooked for promotions. We conducted a competency mapping session and discovered a key gap in his ability to work cross-functionally and lead diverse teams. 🧩 Rather than feeling discouraged, Rahul saw this as an opportunity. We built a Personal Development Plan (PDP) to close those gaps. By enrolling in relevant courses and taking on cross-departmental projects, Rahul not only improved his skills but also earned the promotion he had been aiming for. 👉 What is a Personal Development Plan (PDP)? A PDP is a roadmap for your career growth, detailing the specific skills you need to develop to advance in your role. Here are the Key Sections every PDP should include: 💢Self-Assessment: Identify your current strengths and areas for improvement based on feedback or a competency mapping session. 💢Goal Setting: Set clear, measurable goals for what you want to achieve in your career (e.g., leadership skills, cross-functional collaboration). 💢Action Plan: Outline the steps you’ll take to close the gaps, such as enrolling in courses, seeking mentorship, or participating in projects. 💢Timeline: Assign deadlines to each action item to track your progress and stay on course. 💢Evaluation: Regularly assess your progress through self-reflection or feedback from peers and supervisors. 💡 Key Action Points: ⚜️Use competency mapping to identify specific skill gaps. ⚜️Develop a Personal Development Plan to close those gaps. ⚜️Engage in practical experiences like cross-functional projects or targeted training. Feeling stuck in your career? Start building your personal development plan today and tackle those skill gaps head-on! #CareerDevelopment #SkillGaps #PersonalDevelopmentPlan #LeadershipSkills #CompetencyMapping #ProfessionalGrowth

Google just quietly changed how we learn forever... "Learn Your Way" isn't another AI chatbot. It's what happens when education finally stops pretending everyone learns the same way. Pick your grade and interests → AI builds your personal curriculum. Love space? → Physics comes wrapped in rocket science. Learning to code? → Starts where you actually are, not Chapter 1 again. What caught my attention (and why this matters beyond Google): 🔹 Multiple formats that actually work - read when focused, listen while commuting, mind maps when you need the big picture 🔹 Quizzes that adapt to what sticks and what doesn't (no more generic multiple choice torture) 🔹 Examples that match YOUR interests, not some textbook writer's assumptions 🔹 Audio mode that turns dead time into learning time (my morning runs just got smarter) Here's the kicker: A kid in rural Kenya with a phone now has the same personalised tutor as someone at Stanford. *Still early days (can't upload your own materials yet, limited testers), but this glimpse shows where we're headed. Remember that 14-year-old who told me "nobody teaches how technologies connect"? This tool gets it. Physics isn't separate from coding. History connects to economics. Everything relates when AI maps YOUR learning path. I personally loved the Introduction to Human Evolution and Early Ancestors and how you can use the different formats (slides, audio, mindmap). Try it out here for free: https://lnkd.in/dFZFxzQP But the real disruption isn't the technology. It's that personalised education—once reserved for the wealthy—becomes accessible to anyone with internet. We spent centuries building one-size-fits-all education. Google just proved that was the compromise, not the solution. Because when AI can adapt to how each brain learns best, standardised education becomes as outdated as teaching everyone to be blacksmiths. Fascinating to explore. Game-changing to scale. Follow me, Dr. Martha Boeckenfeld for innovations that multiply human potential, not limit it. ♻️ Share if you believe every child deserves education that adapts to them, not the other way around.

The GenAI landscape is evolving daily. With new models, frameworks, and techniques emerging constantly, it's easy to get lost. This structured learning path ensures you build strong foundations while progressing toward advanced concepts systematically. What's Unique About This Approach? Instead of jumping straight to coding, we focus on understanding core concepts first: • Start with foundational skills (Python, APIs, REST) • Progress through essential concepts (Tokens, Context Windows, Embeddings) • Master modern frameworks (LangChain, LlamaIndex, Semantic Kernel) • Build practical applications using industry-standard tools Technical Deep-Dive: 1. Foundation Layer:    - Token mechanics and prompt engineering    - Context window optimization    - Temperature and model behavior    - Embedding spaces and vector operations 2. Framework Mastery:    - LangChain for chain-of-thought applications    - LlamaIndex for knowledge-intensive tasks    - Vector databases (Pinecone, Weaviate, ChromaDB)    - Custom agent development 3. Advanced Implementation:    - RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation) systems    - Multi-agent orchestration    - Memory systems and state management    - Custom model fine-tuning 4. Real-World Projects:    From basic Q&A bots to sophisticated systems:    - Document analysis engines    - Knowledge base construction    - Agent swarms and autonomous systems    - Custom LLM implementations Infrastructure & Tools: • Development: VS Code, GitHub, Jupyter • Deployment: Docker, Cloud APIs, FastAPI • Scaling: Kubernetes, MLOps, Monitoring Learning Philosophy: This roadmap isn't just about tools and technologies. It's designed to build: - Strong theoretical foundations - Practical implementation skills - System design capabilities - Production-ready development practices What's Next? I'll be sharing detailed guides for each section of this roadmap. Follow along to: - Get in-depth tutorials - Access code examples - Learn best practices - Stay updated with the latest GenAI developments Whether you're a beginner or an experienced developer, find your entry point and start building. The field of Generative AI is rapidly evolving, and this roadmap will be regularly updated to reflect the latest advancements. What are your thoughts on this roadmap? Which area interests you the most? Let's discuss this in the comments!

Two-thirds of students now work in term time, but one-third are effectively doing 50+ hour weeks. So what does “full-time study” even mean anymore? The Student Academic Experience Survey (SAES 2025) from Advance HE and HEPI revealed that over 68% of students now work alongside their studies, up 12 percentage points since 2024. Even more concerning, 30% of students are clocking 50+ hours a week when you combine study and paid work, with 18% exceeding 60 hours. And that’s before we add unpaid caring responsibilities (reported by 15% of students). The result? We’re asking students to live two full-time lives: 1) as an employee and 2) as a learner. It’s not just unsustainable; it’s inequitable. Students who work longer hours are also more likely to say they wouldn’t choose higher education again. So this is negatively impacting both sides of the classroom! When we talk about employability, let’s not confuse exhaustion with experience. Students gain valuable skills from part-time work, yes, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of academic engagement or wellbeing. With these points in mind, it’s time for me to bang my 🥁 and ask colleagues to consider redesigning courses and assessments for the students we actually have, not the ones we imagine. This means adding.... 💭 Credit for work-based learning. 💭 Flexible assessment timelines (any flexibility would help, but this would hugely support working students!). 💭 And maybe even a student-friendly employer charter for businesses hiring during term. If 2025 is the year of employability, then flexibility has to be part of that definition. What do you think should we be doing to design higher education around the reality of students’ working lives? Add your comments below! #SAES2025 #AdvanceHE #StudentExperience #Employability #HigherEducation #FlexibilityInLearning #HEPI (Photo made by Dalle showing the number of students juggling more working hours outside of their studies)

The art and science of learning analyzed- • Pedagogy: teacher-directed, often used with younger learners. • Andragogy (Malcolm Knowles): learner-centered adult education. • Heutagogy (Hase & Kenyon, 2000): self-determined learning—focused on capability, not just competency. Heutagogy emphasizes: • autonomy • nonlinear exploration • reflection and adaptability • learning how to learn AME takes heutagogy further by rooting it in neuroscience, curiosity, and contribution. From Pedagogy to Heutagogy: AME’s Learning Revolution In traditional schools, pedagogy rules: the teacher leads, the student follows. In adult education, we shift to andragogy. But in Always Meaningful Education (AME), we go a step further: Heutagogy—self-determined, reflective, curiosity-driven learning. In AME: • Learners co-design their paths. • They explore what lights them up—and create something real with it. • Learning isn’t about performance; it’s about capability, contribution, and growth. This isn’t hypothetical. Since 2019, AME students have created museums, published books, launched restaurants, performed original theater, and delivered TED-style talks, among many other real world connections and contributions—all from their own inquiries. The future isn’t content recall. It’s adaptability, creativity, and the power to learn how to learn. AME isn’t just learner-centered. It’s learner-led. And that’s heutagogy in action.

Why most education systems around the world need a reality check We've built entire school systems on a flawed premise: that treating everyone identically equals fairness. Same curriculum. Same tests. Same pace. Same methods. But here's what we're missing: fair doesn't mean identical. When we force every student through the same narrow pathway, we're not creating equality, we are creating waste. Massive, tragic waste of human potential. Think about your most successful colleagues. How many got there purely by being great test-takers? Most likely, they succeeded by leveraging their unique strengths. Whether that's connecting with people, creative problem-solving, building things, or seeing patterns others miss. Yet our schools still operate as if standardized test performance is the only intelligence that matters. Every classroom has: - Visual learners who need to see concepts in action - Kinesthetic learners who think better when moving - Creative minds who solve problems differently - Collaborative spirits who thrive in teams - Deep thinkers who need more processing time When we measure all of them with the same ruler, we miss incredible talent. The good news is the change is coming Progressive schools worldwide are experimenting with: ✅ Project-based learning that lets students explore their interests ✅ Multiple assessment methods beyond standardized tests ✅ Personalized pacing that meets students where they are ✅ Real-world problem solving over rote memorization Finland largely abandoned standardized testing and focuses on developing individual potential. Singapore created multiple educational pathways recognizing different strengths. Change is hard. Standardized systems feel "safe" and measurable. But safe for whom? Certainly not for the fish being asked to climb trees. Instead of asking: "How do we make all students succeed at the same tasks?" We should ask: "How do we help each student develop their unique potential?" We don't need students who can all climb the same tree. We need diverse thinkers who can tackle complex, real-world challenges from every angle. #Education #Leadership #Innovation #Diversity #PersonalizedLearning #FutureOfWork

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 Recently I used the systems thinking approach to diagnose the training needs of a client recently. The intention to use this approach was to dig deeper and understand the root causes for the 'stuck energy' across different managers, which was impacting managing their teams adversely. A 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞, where the unseen psychological and energetic ties are revealed, illuminates an alternative approach that can liberate energy and fresh clarity across complex organizational systems large and small. Understanding and then applying the invisible ordering forces in systems begins with one simple idea: '𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬.' The theme of acknowledgement underpins everything in the principles, practices, attitudes and application of this work. In this exercise, 3 charts were made, on which the participants wrote down their strengths, challenges as a leader and their perception of the current organization culture. After this the charts were placed on the floor, and the participants were invited to walk slowly around in the space in between, noticing what they sense about their relationship to each from different places. They were then asked to find a place that embodies their current sense of their relationship to all three flip charts. When everyone was standing still again, I invited them to notice where they are standing, what they are facing, and what they can see and not see. This is what the participants shared - ♨ I feel there is lack of clarity as far as the purpose is concerned, ♨ At least now I am listening to my challenges, ♨ Everyone has a different set of strengths and challenges, ♨ The organization culture takes me for granted, ♨ All leaders are running in different ways, ♨ We should welcome feedback from others, ♨ I have to face my challenges. These statements brought out some useful personal perspectives and insights. I could see a change in their body language, an inner shift as they shared these inner realities on this ‘living map’. For the first time almost, they were acknowledging their realities ‘as it is’. After a few minutes and some sharing and reflection, I invited them all to follow any inner movement they feel drawn to make that embodies a ‘better place’ for them as a result of hearing the words from their colleagues. This time with a sense of the whole team, the whole system, in mind. The members were invited to speak from that new place and then sit in a circle and discuss. This part brought out a lot of fresh information and an unspoken sense of embodied place in a relationship system. This discussion concluded with a unanimous statement from the group, ‘we are eager to dive into the learning journey and embrace new insights!” 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒂 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒔𝒌 𝒇𝒐𝒓? #MeetaMeraki               #Systemsthinking

Curriculum Development Process refers to the systematic planning, organization, implementation, and evaluation of educational programs. It ensures that what students learn is relevant, coherent, and aligned with standards, student needs, and future societal demands. steps: 1. Needs Assessment Purpose: Identify gaps in current learning, student performance, and future workforce needs. Key Questions: What do students need to learn? What are the demands of the community, nation, or global trends? What skills do graduates need? 2. Define Aims, Goals, and Learning Outcomes Aims: Broad visions of what the curriculum intends to achieve. Goals: General statements about what learners will achieve. Learning Outcomes: Specific, measurable skills or knowledge students should acquire. 3. Content Selection and Organization Criteria: Relevance, balance, sequence, integration, continuity, and progression. Sources: National standards, subject experts, textbooks, research, local culture. 4. Choose Teaching and Learning Methods Consider diverse learners, learning styles, and 21st-century skills. Include: Active learning (group work, inquiry, project-based) Differentiation strategies Use of digital tools and blended learning 5. Develop Assessment and Evaluation Tools Formative Assessments: Ongoing checks during learning (quizzes, discussions). Summative Assessments: Final evaluations (exams, projects). Evaluation Tools: Rubrics, checklists, tests, peer/self-assessment. 6. Pilot Testing and Feedback Trial the curriculum in selected classrooms. Collect feedback from: Students Teachers Parents Educational leaders 7. Implementation Train teachers. Provide resources (books, digital tools). Monitor implementation closely. 8. Monitoring and Continuous Evaluation Assess student outcomes regularly. Gather teacher and stakeholder feedback. Revise and adapt based on: Achievement data Changing educational goals New research or policy changes Bonus: Curriculum Models Often Used Tyler Model: Objectives → Content → Method → Evaluation Taba Model: Teachers involved in design, inductive approach. Backward Design (Wiggins & McTighe): Start with desired results → plan assessments → then plan instruction.

Learning journeys are not built in a day. But they can be built with a system. I created the G.R.O.W.T.H. Framework to help learning designers map experiences that actually stick. Most models stay in theory. G.R.O.W.T.H. is a toolkit you can take into your next project and put to work. Here is what you will find inside: ✅ Six-stage framework to map your journey ✅ Goal-setting worksheet for stakeholder alignment ✅ Empathy mapping template ✅ Learner feedback form ✅ Team retro guide ✅ Real-world case study to show it in practice This is a free download. You will find the full PDF attached to this post. If you are building learning journeys for onboarding, upskilling, compliance, or customer education, this gives you a clear structure to follow. Simple. Practical. Designed to be used. Scroll through the document and tell me what you think. I would love your feedback.