Individualized education using ACE in China

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THE INDIVIDUALIZED LEARNING SYSTEM


Student at work	Student office	Learning vs Teaching

Individualization

Individualization is different from individualism!(*) The individualized education system is designed to take account for individual differences in the students and to allow each one to learn according to their own ability level and previous learning. Whether students are high achievers or moderate-paced learners, the individualizing process begins at the exact level determined by students' abilities, as indicated by the diagnostic test. Individualized learning makes it possible for students to begin at their actual level of achievement and master the subject matter before proceeding. Such mastery is the foundation upon which all future learning is built.
Academic Excellence. Individualization produces academic excellence. Long term Grace Academy students have consistently scored well above average on the yearly achievement tests from the USA.
Character Building. Students grow in self-discipline, perseverance, and thoroughness as they take responsibility for their learning. This prepares them to welcome and accept challenges and future opportunities that come their way.
Traditional Values. Concepts considered foundational to meaningful interpersonal relationships and productive living are conveyed throughout the curriculum in such a way as to become life-shaping influences. Students are taught to see life from God's point of view and to grow in wisdom.

(*) Individualism is an attitude of seeking one's own benefit above that of others. This is not a feature of ACE School of Tomorrow.

THE 5 LAWS OF LEARNING give the basis for the individualized learning system. In this system, the child is first diagnosed to find their present levels of knowledge and ability in Math, English, Reading and Spelling. Then they may begin working on PACEs (specially designed workbooks which include all instructions and the text) at their real performance level. The supervisors (teachers) will use the 5 Laws to guide the student towards maximizing the learning experience. As the “philosophy of teaching” is oriented to the “philosophy of learning,” the objective of the A.C.E. program is to produce the best academic results by implementing the best techniques and procedures for the individual learner. After decades of development and evaluation, the academic philosophy of A.C.E. can be summed up in the following “Five Laws of Learning” illustrated by the donkey and the cart (see illustration above).

1. How heavy is the load? It must be possible for the donkey to do the work. Therefore the first law of learning says that "The student must be on a level of curriculum where he is able to succeed"

2. How long is the stick? If the carrot is too far out in front, the donkey will not even try to reach it, and if it is too close he will eat it all up! Therefore "The pupil must set reasonable and appropriate GOALS which he can be expected to achieve in a reasonable and prescribed period of time." At GGA we teach goal setting as a vital life skill.

3. How effective are the controls? The driver has to control the donkey with the reins (and maybe a whip!) thus providing the motivation and control. The corresponding Law of Learning is "The pupil must receive MOTIVATION through encouragement and support and achieve CONTROL through guidance and discipline in order to assimilate, use, and experience the educational material."

4. How hungry is the donkey? If he has just had his lunch, the donkey will not be interested in another carrot, and this question reminds us that motivation is not simply about rewards, but that there is an intangible element that leads to inner motivation. It is important to be able to measure this, so "the pupil’s learning must have appropriate MEASUREMENT applied to the results."

5. How big is the carrot? The donkey will pull on the cart in order to reach the carrot. Thus "The pupil’s learning must receive recognition and REWARD for its value, effort, and significance."

THE FIVE LAWS OF LEARNING ARE RELATED TO BASIC BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES.

I. The pupil must be placed on a LEVEL of curriculum where he can best perform.

LEVEL acknowledges that all students are different. So we, being many . . . Having Gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us . . . . (Romans 12:5-6)

II. The pupil must set reasonable and appropriate GOALS which he can be expected to achieve in a reasonable and prescribed period of time.

GOALS reflect good judgment. For which of you . . . sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost . . . . (Luke 14:18)

III. The pupil must receive MOTIVATION through encouragement and support and achieve CONTROL through guidance and discipline in order to assimilate, use, and experience the educational material.

MOTIVATION is that inner desire prompted by the concerned supervisor/teacher. "But when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life." Prov. 13:12 "Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as to the Lord . . ." (Colossians 3:23) CONTROL acknowledges the necessity for discipline, guidance, and responsible leadership. Train up a child in the way he should go . . . . (Proverbs 22:6)

IV. The pupil’s learning must have appropriate MEASUREMENT applied to the results.

MEASUREMENT of results relates to accountability. For to whom much is given, of him much shall be required . . . . (Luke 12:48) "For thou, o God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried." (Psalm 66:10)

V. The pupil’s learning must receive recognition and REWARD for its value, effort, and significance. REWARD is the proper recognition for the student’s effort. "Reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 3:13-14)

Riverside Garden, Guangzhou, China

Tel: (020) 8450-0180 Fax: (020) 8450-0190

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