What does "adaptive learning" refer to in the context of high ability students?

Adaptive learning refers to educational methods and practices that adjust to the individual needs, strengths, and learning styles of each student. In the context of high ability students, this approach recognizes that these learners often have unique capabilities and may require different types of challenges and support than their peers.

By tailoring experiences to meet individual needs, adaptive learning allows for personalized pacing, depth of content, and the complexity of learning activities. This may involve providing more advanced resources for students ready for deeper exploration or adjusting the level of difficulty in tasks to ensure engagement and growth.

In contrast, standardizing learning or using a one-size-fits-all approach does not address the varied capabilities and potential of high ability students, which could lead to disengagement or underachievement. Focusing solely on advanced topics overlooks the importance of holistic development and the diversity of interests among these learners. Therefore, the emphasis on customization in adaptive learning is what makes it the best approach for high ability students.