Personalised Learning vs Traditional: Which One Works Best?

Compare both methods and discover the ideal learning style for students

By SELIN Club | 03 May 2025, 03:05 AM

No more classrooms today. Time has changed, and teaching and learning have changed. Technology is important in education and has introduced modern ways of teaching and learning methods. What has changed is the question at hand. Should traditional ways be followed or new ones? Should we go for personalised learning or traditional learning instead?

Let's scrutinize both types now. We can put the two side by side to make the best choice for teachers.

 

A Definition of Traditional Learning

 

In learning that takes place traditionally, the student listens to the teacher and takes notes. Amongst all different forms of teaching, it's the oldest form. Most of us grew up under this kind of teaching model. It is that ideal bond of teacher and student, without which none of the above would come.

Such an education method includes:

It is the teacher who decides the pace and the scheme of teaching.
 

A lesson plan for teachers adapted to the syllabus prescribed.
 

Teaching and learning materials would be the same for all students.
 

All students will take the same exam.
 

This works with most schools. It keeps it simple and tidy. But does it work with all students?

 

What is Personalised Learning?

 

The learner-centred education method is the one that personalises the uniqueness of every child's learning style. The needs of the child dictate what will be done. This is the latest mode of teaching and is in line with the present computerised classrooms.

In this modality:

Every child moves at their own pace.
 

Individualised plans are developed.
 

Learning by teaching, diffusing education and technology very often.
 

Tech tools track learning outcomes.
 

It makes teaching and learning free, fun, and empowers the learner again.

 

Main Differences Between The Two

Let's check these two differences out. These can lead schools fairly well.

1. The Learning Pace

Old traditional learning has a single fixed learning pace.
Personalised learning enables flexible pacing.

2. Teacher's Function

Old model: Teachers teach teachers.
The new one: they are guides.

3. Content Delivery

Traditionally, books and talk were used.
 Education and technology help to personalise lessons.

4. Testing and Feedback

Tests are the same in the old model by administering a test to a group.
Tests may differ in personalised learning as per need.

5. Student Role

In one, they receive content passively.
On the other hand, they lead their learning process.

 

Benefits of Traditional Learning

 

Let us not dismiss it too soon. Traditional learning has a few merits.

Provides structure and routine.
 

Manages large class sizes easily.
 

Simplicity in learning assessment.
 

Requires fewer devices in class.
 

It is for these reasons that most education teacher professionals still use it. It is for schools with less teaching technology that this applies.

 

Benefits of Personalised Learning

 

There is a lot to benefit from here, too. This allows the teacher to touch every child.

Every child receives what he needs.
 

He develops confidence and love for learning.
 

Assessment for learning is used wisely.
 

New styles of learners shine through it as well.
 

It uses visual learning as well as other educational activities for students to bring excitement into the teaching and learning process.

 

How Does Technology Fit In?

 

Education AI. It's got it covered. Such tools will include AI teachers, smart apps, and so forth, which support the cause. Any subject can now be taught in a more fun-filled way that is fairer for all.

Now, let us take a look at what education and technology have to offer:

Immediate feedback for students from teachers.
 

Custom quizzes and activities are suited to students' skill levels.
 

Games and classroom activities for students.
 

Longitudinal tracking of the evolving learning outcomes definition.

 

With the best AI for students, studying can be much more than just reading.

Gone are the days when teachers used to be adamant about not wanting to change anything. Some schools just do not have the required backbone. Others just are confident that the traditional learning way will work. And, frankly, they would. Teachers' past experiences when teaching methods are designed over a period of time matter. Trust is one very big aspect.

Lack of trained teachers in teaching artificial intelligence.
 

Not all students have gadgets.
 

Timetables don’t support new learning methods.
 

We must respect these reasons. Still, we may even try to pursue both.

 

Blended Learning: The Best of Both Worlds

 

Blended learning is a solution adopted by many schools. It indicates a merger of both methodologies. It becomes a combination of talks and teaching technology. This would yield the best outcome.

In blended classes:

Some work is done online.
 

Some is done with chalk and a board.
 

Tests may be digital or written.
 

Teaching and learning are both fun and firm.
 

The blended teaching approach helps in teaching and learning material use, too.

 

Classroom Case Study: Personalization vs Tradition

 

A case in point will suffice.

Let us picture a traditional learning example.
A teacher reads a story. Students copy notes. All students answer five questions. Tests follow the next week.

An example from the personalised learning paradigm.
A teacher provides three ways to learn the story. Some read the story, others listen to it while still others enact it. Every child chooses what suits them best. Tests depend on the manner of learning.

Which do you think is better?

 

Motivation of Students in Both Systems

 

Motivation for the students is very important. Students are motivated to learn if they feel seen. Praise is given for effort in traditional-too-little methods. Growth and effort are poetically recognized in personalised learning setups.

Individually, success is judged with marks.
On the other hand, growth is more considered.

The two systems can successfully coexist if nurtured well.

 

Assessment for Learning: Three Ways

 

Good assessment education is indispensable in both systems. However, the models see the learning assessment differently. There are three major ways of doing the assessments:

Assessment for learning – used during lessons.
 

Assessment as learning – where students assess themselves.
 

Assessment of learning – final tests or scores.
 

The balance in the co-existence of assessment for learning and as learning should be maintained in both systems.

 

Training the Teachers for Change

 

Change is hard without a support system. Training teacher programmes help the teachers transition and teach them the difference between learning and teaching as it is perceived today.

Sessions on teaching topics and teaching techniques.
 

Tools for lesson plans for teachers.
 

Advice on feedback for students from teachers.
 

A real-world classroom with student demonstrations.
 

Teacher training involves the growth of any teacher.

 

Case Studies from Real Schools – What Has Worked?

 

Some schools have tried both. Let's hear from them:

A Delhi school with an upward trend in records concluded that the new combination helped boost marks by 20%.
 

A rural school that provided tablets with the intention that they would lead to joy for the students did just that.
 

An AI teacher's project in the UK helped the shy students find expression.
 

These sustainable representations provide the power of balance.

 

Conclusions

 

Now, for which one wins? Answer: both. Teaching and learning are not black and white. Schools should mix and match. Each child learns in a different way.

Most of all, we have to listen and adapt. Our aspiration should be clear: help children grow joyfully, lovingly, and with efficacy.

Are you an education leader or teacher? Are you starting to search for smart ways to grow?

Then head over today to SELIN Club. Get new ideas. Link with experts. Upgrade your teaching and learning methodology.

Let’s build better classrooms together.