Flexible Learning
Flexible learning is a method of learning where students are given freedom in how, what, when and where they learn. Flexible learning environments address how physical space is used, how students are grouped during learning and how time is used throughout teaching. With space, students may be given dedicated breakout rooms to work collaboratively. Schools may restructure traditional schedules to provide students with time for collaboration and other activities such as guest speakers or performances to assist their understanding of a topic.
Flexible learning refers to the ability to customize one’s pace, place and mode of learning. With pace, for example, students may take accelerated programs or engage in part-time learning to ensure they have time to work on the side. Learning can take place in a variety of settings, including in the classroom, at home via the Internet, while commuting or as part of a work-study program. Mode refers to the way that content is delivered by technology, typically through blended learning, fully online courses or technology-enhanced experiences. Wikipedia
FLEXIBLE LEARNING RESOURCE
A movement towards flexible learning supports a more equitable experience of education for all learners. Flexibility can be planned and implemented to numerous degrees and in many ways. Viewing flexible learning through the lens of the following six pedological ideas - learner empowerment, future-facing education, decolonizing education, transformative capabilities, crossing boundaries, and social learning - can help instructors in the transition towards a more flexible learning experience, one that is co-created with students. Instructors currently face increasing demands on their time in a context of shrinking educational resources and precarious work arrangements. The reality of this can make the pedagogical shifts recommended in this resource feel daunting. These examples are meant to provide ideas, provoke thought and encourage any action towards creating a more flexible and inclusive classroom. Small steps can and do make an impact.
Learners, instructors, and institutions all have a role to play in flexible learning:
Learners must take responsibility for their own learning, taking advantage of opportunities that are presented to them and being able to self-advocate for the delivery method that best serves their learning needs.
Instructors must be able to identify opportunities for flexible learning, “with a growing emphasis on managing the learning process rather than being the primary provider of learning material.”
Institutions must build flexible systems that provide students with choices in their learning, as well as maintaining the frameworks that ensure a quality learning experience (Ryan & Tilbury, 2013).
Characteristics of Flexible Learning
Flexibility in learning does not mean “whatever”. It also needs a certain degree of planning and limits.
Balance
The main characteristic that flexible learning has is the balance – this balance between school and life is vital, and it is what today’s society needs.
Accessibility
Accessibility offers students the possibility to go back and review the course any time they need, to have unlimited access to resources that allow you to improve and fill in the gaps.
Personalisation
A flexible learning environment allows students to have a personalised learning path. Besides offering them the possibility of choosing their courses, it also implies that “the school adapts the use of resources such as staff, space, and time to best support personalization.”
The Importance of Flexibility in Education
Education needs to keep up with what today’s society needs. And young people are an essential part of today’s society. Making sure the education system is ready to embrace the needs of today’s young people is the key to a successful education. For some education facilities, remote learning has been a reality for many years, and the COVID – 19 situation just made it a necessity and not a choice.
“If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.” Estrada Ignacio
Benefits for students
More than the flexibility of the physical space where children can choose between online and physical learning environments, flexible learning also makes time flexible. Students are offered flexible learning time in various schools, shortened studying time, and added a new activity. Sometimes this activity connects one activity to the next one, and sometimes it emphasises something you need to strengthen, while sometimes, it just means a relaxing time to focus on the next class.
“If children feel safe, they can take risks, ask questions, make mistakes, learn to trust, share their feelings, and grow.” Alfie Kohn
Benefits for teachers
A flexible learning environment means a heavy – responsibility for teachers. However, besides this, it can also work towards developing teachers and making them feel a bigger fulfilment of their work while seeing students be more engaged in the classroom.