This blog is from one of COBIS’ Supporting Associates.

Written by Alex Sharratt – Strategic Adviser, Hachette Learning Academy

Meeting the diverse needs of learners is both a constant challenge and a necessity for schools. While traditional methods like differentiation – grouping learners by ability and tailoring resources accordingly – are widely used, they often fall short in delivering truly personalised learning experiences.

Differentiation can be time-consuming, difficult to manage, and inconsistent in its results. This approach may also fail to deliver the personalised experiences needed to ensure that every learner reaches their potential. While teachers may adjust materials for different groups, this often doesn’t reflect each learner’s real-time progress or unique learning style. As a result, some learners may fall behind.

What is adaptive learning technology?

Adaptive learning technology offers a groundbreaking solution. It uses artificial intelligence and data analytics to:

• Continuously adjust content to each learner’s pace and understanding
• Respond in real time to learner input and progress
• Create an experience that replicates one-to-one tutoring

By adjusting content in real-time to suit each learner's needs, adaptive tools enable learners to make optimal progress without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, teachers benefit from powerful data insights, allowing them to focus their attention where it's most needed and will have maximum impact. This approach helps make learning more engaging, efficient, and inclusive.

Eight reasons adaptive learning tools deserve your attention

1) Personalised learning

Adaptive learning technology provides material tailored to each learner's current knowledge level, avoiding unnecessary repetition and frustration.

2) Enhanced student engagement and motivation

According to Albert Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy, students are more likely to engage in tasks when they believe they can succeed. Adaptive learning supports this by keeping students motivated through achievable goals, instant feedback, and scaffolded learning experiences.

3) Continuous feedback and adjustment

Unlike traditional differentiation, adaptive learning can provide instant feedback and adjust learning pathways, ensuring students remain appropriately challenged and engaged.

4) Efficient identification of learning gaps

Teachers and learners no longer need to wait for test results to identify strengths and weaknesses. Adaptive learning continuously assesses students’ understanding, so teachers and learners can quickly identify and address any learning gaps.

5) Improved learning outcomes

Learners can revisit challenging topics until they truly understand them, improving their overall learning outcomes.

6) Actionable insights for teachers

Adaptive learning technology should provide detailed analytics and insights into learner progress, with dashboards highlighting performance trends, learning gaps and areas requiring intervention, enabling teachers to make data-driven decisions.

7) Support for all learners

Adaptive learning has the potential to bridge gaps for students facing learning barriers, language differences, or learning disabilities, ensuring that these learners are not left behind. 

8) Encouraging self-regulated learning

Adaptive learning can promote self-regulation by helping learners track their own progress, set personalised goals, and receive continuous feedback. As a result, students build confidence and take greater ownership of their learning journey.

A smarter way to learn and teach

Adaptive learning is a powerful way to help all learners achieve their potential. Whether you’re looking to boost existing teaching methods or better support struggling learners, adaptive learning technology opens up new possibilities for inclusive, impactful education.

About Hachette Learning (formerly Hodder Education)

Hachette Learning’s mission is to enable every learner to fulfil their unique potential by empowering those who teach them. From expert teaching and learning resources to digital educational tools that make learning easier and more accessible for all, they provide solutions designed to maximise the impact of learning for every teacher, parent and student. Explore Hachette Learning’s adaptive solutions and discover smarter ways to teach and learn: bit.ly/45QfhvM