Self-paced learning: Does it actually help students?

The academic needs vary from student to student. While some breeze through the process of learning, others need additional time and guidance. The traditional classroom set-up does not take into account the varying challenges and needs of every student. The one-size-fits-all approach of traditional education does not always yield the best learning outcomes. On the other hand, self-paced learning, which is a prominent attribute of e-learning, comes with a customised approach.  

What is self-paced learning? 
Digitization in the education sector has allowed a lot of flexibility in teaching and learning methods leading to better outcomes. Self-paced learning is one such feature of digital education that allows students to learn and accomplish tasks at their own speed and convenience through pre-recorded video or audio lessons. They can access these digital materials as and when they need. In this way, students who struggle with a particular topic can come back to it later on. They don’t have to depend on the teacher for additional classes or tutorials.  

Benefits of self-pacing 
Apart from flexibility, self-paced learning comes with a set of other benefits too. Here is how this learning methodology helps students. 

Builds self-confidence: It is common knowledge that an education system that sees children who are ‘bad’ at some subjects as separate beings or unfit for learning will only produce children who are insecure and unmotivated. Hearing students talk about their frustration and lack of interest in studying is a common occurrence but the traditional education system does not pay much attention to this challenge. Students spend their learning years rushing to catch up in less time instead of internalising knowledge. Self-paced learning allows them to experience the feeling of true learning with enough time and support. This boosts their confidence to a large extent. 

Differentiates students’ needs: A teacher is bound to a limited capacity for differentiating between the needs of students. There is only so much that can be done in the classroom to match every student’s speed. With self-paced learning, students who understand a topic or pick up a skill faster can move ahead while the others are provided with the time and guidance needed for smooth understanding. 

Supports self-regulation: Teaching kids 21st-century skills is rather necessary for the time. One such skill is that of self-regulation, which enables an individual to work independently and tackle new challenges. Self-paced classrooms allow students to self-regulate their progress, planning, management and most importantly, take ownership of their work. This creates a fast learning and achievement environment.  

Paves the way for mastery-grade building: The ultimate goal of self-paced learning is to cultivate a learning environment for students where progress is shown if a student masters a particular skill. This gives students the time to re-evaluate, re-assess and revise their work if needed. With self-pacing students are allowed to move ahead and fight till they achieve mastery of one skill.