Personalised Learning: An emperor's outfit?

Article

Personalised learning became a major feature of the public policy debate during the autumn of 2003. A series of speeches by the Prime Minister and David Miliband have emphasised its status. Yet there remains a considerable lack of clarity as to thedetailed policy implications of applying the principle, and there is a pressing need to debate both its content and its boundaries. The purpose of this paper is to introduce some questions which are raised by the concept of personalised learning.

Personalised learning became a major feature of the public policy debate during the autumn of 2003. A series of speeches by the Prime Minister and David Miliband have emphasised its status. Yet there remains a considerable lack of clarity as to thedetailed policy implications of applying the principle, and there is a pressing need to debate both its content and its boundaries.

In undertaking a project on personalised learning, the ippr seeks to clarify the content and boundaries of the concept. What precisely are the Government's objectives for this agenda and how far does it represent continuity or change of policy direction? ippr also seeks to relate policies which develop personalised learning to other priorities in public policy.

The purpose of this paper is to introduce some questions which are raised by the concept of personalised learning. It is hoped that discussion will produce consensus on the range of questions which can most usefully be further considered in future seminars and work by the ippr.

Related items

  1. A group of children sit around a table at primary school. A little boy smiles into the camera

    Breaking the cycle: A blueprint for special educational needs and disability (SEND) reform

    The education system is not working well enough for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), their families, or the professionals delivering support.
  2. A group of young women laughing sitting around a cafe table

    Making space: Meeting the needs of young women and girls through Young Futures

    This is a critical moment for the government’s delivery of Young Futures Hubs, which can transform outcomes for young women and girls. 
  3. Doctor with patient for consultation, medical advice or procedure at clinic

    Building the foundations for transformation in the NHS

    The government has published a bold 10-year plan to transform England’s health system which, if fully delivered, will make the NHS of tomorrow look radically different from today’s service.