“It is great to be able to see easily who is behind or who needs help,” adds Kaitlyn Cross, professional learning facilitator for Pearson Virtual Schools. In addition to seeing who is falling behind, student data can also show educators which students have quickly mastered material.
With the guidance of student data, “educators can use their expertise to bring out that peak learning experience for each one of their kids,” says Mickey Revenaugh, co-founder of Connections Academy and Vice President at Pearson.
While virtual teachers may have the most experience using student data to personalize instruction, there are ways for in-person teachers to use the information at hand as well.
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“They can use that data to structure a whole-class, live learning experience, but with breakout rooms and special activities that really address where each student is in their learning process,” Revenaugh says. As for the ways educators can act on the student data?
“Intervention, small group or group instruction, tutoring and assignment of extra activities for kids that have mastered the material really quickly,” she suggests.
Educators are already experts in guiding learning for their students. The data simply gives them a clearer and earlier look at where students are struggling and excelling, saving teachers time and keeping students on track.
“Teachers’ use of data and their understanding of how kids learn bring out the best learning in every single kid,” Revenaugh says.