Every Learner is Different

Let’s just get this out of the way now: There’s no such thing as an “average” learner. However, there is such a thing as average education — and we’re here to do something about that. 

Not everyone learns the same way and they shouldn’t. That’s where flexible learning comes in.
Flexible learning models support diverse learning styles and environments in order to meet the needs of students exactly where they are. 

Read on to discover why flexible learning models are a critical component to changing the educational landscape for both educators and students today.

Why Traditional Models Leave Students Behind

Simply put, single-path instruction favors certain learners while quietly disengaging others. You know that student who’s just “introverted” or “shy?” Or those who are reluctant to speak up? 

These imprints can last long beyond the classroom, so don’t let them become learner identities — because they’re not. These patterns aren’t just preferences, they’re an equity issue.

Learners require flexible — and therefore equitable — learning methods to support active forms of participation. Right now, only 51% of Gen Z learners feel prepared for their future and only 35% of K-12 learners feel they’re gaining relevant skills for career readiness.

The good news? The educational landscape is changing and requires inclusive learning methods that accommodate students, not the other way around.

Flexible Learning Models That Work

There are several effective learning models that target instruction to benefit all learners.

1. Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a holistic approach to flexible and personalized instruction that creates vast learning opportunities for students. With the inclusion of video, UDL bridges the gap that happens when “teaching to the middle,” as conventional pedagogy advises. 

2. Project-based learning

Project-based learning is a brilliant way for learners to engage with real-world problems. Video projects fuel creative and critical thinking skills while fostering future readiness. Video projects also blend visual and auditory modes of processing for a deeper and more dynamic academic experience.

3. Inquiry-based learning

Inquiry-based learning is an active and engaging approach to learning that drives curiosity through exploration, high-level questioning, and problem-solving. 

All three of these flexible learning methods amplify student voice and choice while showcasing multiple ways of understanding. With WeVideo, it’s easy to implement any (or all!) of these frameworks to target instruction and guide understanding every step of the way.

Bringing Flexible Learning to Your Classroom

The right edtech naturally supports differentiation. When learners have multiple entry points into the material, active engagement is a natural byproduct of every lesson. So what does this mean for your classroom?

1. Let students choose how to demonstrate learning

Student agency thrives on having options. Whether through podcasts, digital storytelling, GIFs, screen recordings, animated videos, or truly whatever else — there are countless creative and accessible ways to prove understanding.

2. Create multiple entry points

Multiple entry points ensure learners can engage in the way that best suits them. Creating a blend between aesthetic, collaborative, interactive, and student-led projects can foster equitable opportunities for everyone.

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Tip: WeVideo’s Assignment Ideas Library comes with dozens of ISTE-approved, customizable, and ready-made lesson ideas for immediate implementation. 

3. Incorporate video learning

WeVideo’s interactive video platform fosters engagement, performance, and retention via interactive question types, personalized course creation, real-time collaboration, and analytics tools that help educators prove progress. The result? Consistent learner participation and lasting confidence.

Foster Equity Through Flexibility

Honoring learner differences is what prepares students for the real world. Lifelong skill development begins in classrooms where everyone is celebrated for their uniqueness, not excluded for it. Standard learning methods are no longer sufficient and it’s time to pave a better way forward. 

Curious what more you can do to support active learning in your world? Join our Active Learning Community to connect with like-minded professionals working towards a more inclusive future of learning today.