Comparing Personalization, Differentiation and Individualization

In 2010, the National Ed Tech Plan defined the terms "Personalization", "Differentiation" and "Individualization" as terms related to instruction to address the varying learning styles of students in today's classrooms. The PDI chart was created by Barbara Bray (@bbray27) and Kathleen McClaskey (@khmmc) in response to the need to provide greater clarity of the differences between each of these terms, as often times they are used interchangeably and the differences between them seem nominal. The PDI chart peels back the initial layers to expose the truth that each upon further inspection each are, in fact, quite different. When reviewed carefully it is apparent the starting point for each is where the biggest differences appear.  At a glance, "Personalization" is learner-centered, while "Differentiation" and "Individualization" are teacher-centered. Personalized learning starts with the learner first, where differentiation and individualization aim to adapt and individualize instruction designed for generalized learning.

This article from One Workspace sheds greater light onto the differences between these approaches and how when implemented properly, the positive impact they may have on the classroom.

Click to access the printable version of this chart from Personalized Learning