Maximizing learning efficiency: Adaptive techniques for STEM education

 Adaptive learning is the buzzword today, but parents have been on board with the idea for over a decade now. In fact, in a survey done by McGraw-Hill Education in 2015, more than 90% of parents said they wanted adaptive digital learning to be part of their children’s classroom learning experience. More than 70% said classrooms ought to focus on adaptive learning rather than “old school” textbook-based one-size-fits-all style learning.

The three parts of adaptive learning

Adaptive learning, which is built on artificial intelligence and machine learning, addresses the needs of individual learners through 

• customized learning pathways
• effective feedback
• supplemental resources

Adaptive learning has three components: 

• Adaptive content, which provides feedback on students’ specific responses (hints, review materials)
• Adaptive sequence, which analyzes student data in real-time to automatically change what they see next
• Adaptive assessment, which changes the questions a student sees based on responses to the previous question (it can get tougher or easier)

Transforming STEM learning

Adaptive learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education is a game-changer. STEM subjects involve an array of topics and concepts, imparting problem-solving skills and critical thinking. Adaptive learning can simplify STEM for learners of all ages, making it easier for them to learn and improve.

In fact, a 2022 case study on using an adaptive learning platform ‘TALP’ in a Taiwanese elementary school, revealed that it positively impacts teaching and learning, especially in math education. Teachers noticed increased student motivation and improved learning outcomes among those using TALP. They could also identify students’ learning gaps early on, and assist by using TALP and other materials.

Personalized learning paths

Adaptive learning can help create personalized learning paths by identifying a student’s strengths and weaknesses. It uses data analytics and algorithms and tailors the learning experience to their specific needs. Let’s say, for example, that a student is a visual learner. The platform can offer interactive visualizations and animations to aid comprehension.

It can also help with exploration. Let’s say in a classroom there is a student who demonstrates a solid grasp of basic physics principles, beyond that of the rest of the batch. An adaptive learning platform tailors the content to introduce more advanced topics early on, thus accelerating their progress and keeping them engaged.

For students struggling with fundamental concepts, adaptive learning can help with remediation. You can use the system to provide video tutorials and interactive simulations in learning to keep them motivated. Adaptive learning matches the content and pace of instruction to each student’s learning style and level of proficiency.

Adaptive hands-on learning

When it comes to STEM education, experiments, home assignments, and other hands-on student-first activities are key to practice and learning. The right adaptive learning platform can help here as well, by presenting different interactive simulations in learning, practical exercises, and homework assignments based on the student’s learning level. This enables students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios by themselves, no matter what knowledge level they’re at. The personalized learning path that each student follows extends beyond the in-session training to the support sessions and hands-on learning activities.

Learning platforms such as Khan Academy tailor homework assignments to students’ learning levels to keep them motivated. Since different students get different assignments, they feel less pressure to compete and begin to enjoy math.

Social adaptive learning

Since each group of students gets a different learning path and set of assignments, adaptive learning can easily become collaborative learning. Take the case of a learning platform such as Coursera. It has implemented various features to enable collaborative learning in STEM through peer review assignments where students are tasked with evaluating and providing feedback on each others’ work, group projects and so on. This works even better when learners are reviewing assignments on subjects they haven’t personally worked on in the past.

Instant feedback

As adaptive learning puts learners on different paths based on their learning level, it’s easy to modify the platform to offer immediate feedback on assignments. This helps students correct mistakes and learn from them in real-time.

Adaptive learning techniques are revolutionizing STEM education, offering students immersive, customized and streamlined learning, paving the way for greater academic achievement. An increasing number of educational institutions are integrating adaptive learning into their curricula. Incorporate adaptive learning into your curriculum today with Hornbill FX. Ask us how!