Importance of Personalized Adaptive Learning (PAL) in the National Education Policy’s Implementation

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 envisions a profound transformation in the field of education, emphasizing core values and principles that prioritize foundational skills such as literacy and numeracy, high-order skills including critical thinking and problem-solving, and all round, holistic growth of students in a life connected approach.

To achieve this, there has been a significant change in NEP 2020 till 2023 which is a transition from the conventional 10+2 model to the ever-growing 5+3+3+4 structure.

The revised framework prioritizes essential skills and life competencies at all educational levels. Its goal is to assist students in addressing historical learning gaps, achieving grade-appropriate proficiency, and fostering holistic development.

How do we achieve this?

EdTech companies are actively researching, innovating, and developing solutions to cater to the diverse learning needs of students, while concurrently assisting them in addressing historical learning gaps, attaining grade level learning, and promoting holistic development.

“A notable approach similar to guidelines of NEP 2020 has been outlined and is implemented by the Haryana Government under the e-Adhigam Initiative where 5 lakh students have been provided tablets with integrated personalized adaptive learning (PAL) solutions to cover their learning gaps that occurred due to school closures during Covid induced lockdown ”. 

Positioned as a forefront technology in education, PAL provides a framework where each student can tailor their unique learning journey. Despite the Indian government’s issuance of comprehensive PAL guidelines in 2018, widespread implementation has been limited. This may be because of lack of awareness regarding PAL solutions that can make every student feel welcomed, cared for, and safe, as  mentioned in fundamental principles (Pg. No. 5) of NEP 2020. 

Importance of Personalized Adaptive Learning (PAL) in the National Education Policy’s Implementation 

Personalized Learning Experience

• Personalized adaptive learning allows students to first understand their current proficiency level and then create a personalized learning path, catering to their individual learning preferences.
• This aligns with the NEP’s focus on providing a flexible and inclusive education system that recognizes, identifies, and fosters unique capabilities of students [Pg. No. 5, Point 1, 3].

Addressing Historical Learning Gaps

• Personalized adaptive learning empowers students to progress from their existing level of understanding, addressing historical learning gaps along the way, and ultimately gain mastery of each chapter.
• This aligns with NEP’s goal to ensure foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) for all students [Pg. No. 5, Point 2].

Lifelong Learning and Skill Development

• PAL promotes a lifelong learning approach by encouraging self-directed learning and skill development. With adaptive learning solutions students get control over their learning journey, allowing them to progress at their own pace.
• This aligns with the NEP’s vision of creating a holistic and flexible education system that prepares students for the challenges of the 21st century [Pg. No. 5, Point 5].

Inclusive Education

• Personalized adaptive learning (PAL) advocates an inclusivity in education because one size doesn’t fit all. PAL enables access to learning material that aligns with different abilities and learning styles such as audio books, video lessons, and more to accommodate diverse needs.
• This supports the NEP 2020 emphasis on inclusive education, ensuring equitable opportunities for all learners, including those with special needs [Pg. No.5, Point 1, 14].

Student Engagement

• PAL improves student engagement by enhancing their conceptual learning of every topic/chapter/subject in a joyful learning environment without any comparison or judgment. 
• This aligns with NEP 2020 vision of increasing engagement by creating a positive attitude towards learning, fostering a lifelong love for education.

Data-Driven Decision Making

• Personalized adaptive learning solutions generate valuable data on individual student progress, learning patterns, and areas of strength and weakness.
• This aligns with National Education Policy 2020, of making informed decisions. With PAL teachers can personalize teaching strategies to meet the specific needs of each student [Pg. No. 5, Point 19].

iPrep PAL: Designed to Enable Personalized & Adaptive Learning to Fulfill NEP Goals

• Personalized Learning Paths: iPrep PAL is a structured application based on Edtech Tulna Framework. It uses diagnostic tests to assess a student’s knowledge and builds custom learning paths to address historical learning gaps and ensure grade-level mastery.
• Bridging Historical Learning Gaps: Students are guided to content from lower grades based on the score of a diagnostic test. This ensures they build a strong foundation of understanding before progressing to learning of existing grades.
• Encouraging Self-Directed Learning: iPrep PAL promotes self-paced learning. It allows students to freely switch between subjects, revisit content, and retake practice sessions until they achieve mastery. This flexible, judgment-free approach encourages student engagement and fosters a lifelong love for learning.
• Inclusive and Adaptable: iPrep PAL is a comprehensive learning solution designed for all students. It offers diverse types of content such as videos, syllabus books, practice questions, and more to cater to different learning styles.  Plus, its extensive curricular and extracurricular content ensures every student finds something engaging, making it an invaluable tool for learners.
• Data-Driven Insights: The reporting dashboard of iPrep PAL provides detailed insights into student progress, learning patterns, and test performance. This data helps students, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders identify learning level and progress of individual students to provide targeted support and measure program impact.

To conclude,

The implementation of Personalized Adaptive Learning (PAL) within the framework of the New Education Policy (NEP) holds significance for the educational landscape. PAL seamlessly aligns with the NEP’s vision of fostering personalized learning paths, bridging historical learning gaps, promoting lifelong learning, and facilitating skill development. Its inclusive nature ensures that every student, regardless of learning gap or pace, receives tailored learning experiences. 

The iPrep PAL solution stands as a testament to this alignment, offering a framework for driving meaningful impact for India’s students through Govt. and social sector education initiatives. By addressing diverse needs, enhancing student engagement, and enabling data-driven decision-making, PAL emerges as a catalyst for the transformation of education in line with the progressive goals set forth by the New Education Policy 2020. 

As we move forward in enhancing the education system, personalized adaptive learning becomes not just a platform but a foundation for shaping a more equitable, inclusive, and effective educational ecosystem.

If in case you would like to know more about iPrep PAL, A Personalized Adaptive Learning Solution, visit our website, www.idreameducation.org, or write to us at [email protected]