Personalized Learning vs. Differentiated Instruction vs. Individualized Learning: Breaking Down the Differences

In the world of education, the meanings of certain terms can easily become muddled. This is especially true for phrases we hear often, where frequent use sometimes leads to blurred definitions. Educators, families, and even policymakers may use the same term but mean something slightly different, which can create confusion when trying to implement strategies in classrooms.  

Today, we’ll look specifically at three different approaches that are discussed frequently and sometimes used interchangeably: personalized learning, differentiated instruction, and individualized learning. When you consider the name of each, these approaches may seem to be the same, but each serves a distinct purpose in supporting students.  

What they have in common is a focus on placing students at the center of the learning process. Each approach has its own unique goals, benefits, and practical elements, and understanding the distinctions can help teachers make more intentional choices about instruction. Let’s break down each one together: 

Personalized Learning  

Personalized learning refers to an approach, or philosophy, in which students are active participants in their own learning. In other words, students have a say in what—and how—they learn.   

In an article for ISTE, Dale Basye, author of Personalized Learning: A Guide for Engaging Students with Technology, puts it this way:   

“Personalized learning involves the student in the creation of learning activities and relies more heavily on a student’s personal interests and innate curiosity. Instead of education being something that happens to the learner, it is something that occurs as a result of what the student is doing, with the intent of creating engaged students who have truly learned how to learn.” 

Personalized learning looks different in different classrooms and different schools, and that’s the whole point. By drawing on students’ interests, educators can tap into each student’s learning style, helping them become metacognitively aware of how they learn best. This awareness fosters self-advocacy and more effective, independent learning. 

In practice, personalized learning might mean students have choices about the books they read, the projects they design, or even the way they demonstrate their understanding. One student may write an essay, another may create a video, and another might design a digital presentation—all while addressing the same learning goal. Rather than passively receiving information, they become partners in the process of discovery. 

Differentiated Instruction 

Unlike personalized learning, differentiated instruction is more of a teaching strategy than an educational philosophy. Differentiated instruction also refers more to classes or groups of students rather than solely on individual students.   

The Center for Teaching and Learning at Stanford defines it this way:   

“Differentiated Instruction (DI) is fundamentally the attempt to teach differently to different students, rather than maintain a one-size-fits-all approach to instruction.” 

 With differentiated instruction, students are often working toward the same learning goals, but they’re given multiple pathways to reach them. In an article for Understood, a nonprofit organization that supports and advocates for students that think and learn differently, special education teacher Ginny Osewalt explains:   

“Flexible groups are at the heart of differentiated instruction. The same students are not in the same group for every activity or assignment. Each student is moved around according to abilities. Teachers design their lessons around the needs of each group. For example, one group might write a paragraph after listening to a reading, while another group puts on a skit. A third group might create a poster or an art project to show what they’ve learned. Students may read books on topics that are closely matched to their reading levels.” 

The essential idea is to differentiate instructional methods, content, and learning activities to match students’ differing interests and learning profiles, so that all students can access and engage with the material effectively. Differentiation can show up through the content that’s delivered, the processes students use to make sense of it, or the products they create to demonstrate their understanding.  

This approach recognizes that no two classrooms are alike and no two learners bring the same skills or background knowledge. By building differentiation into lesson design, teachers can make sure that every student has an entry point into the material while still feeling challenged. In this way, differentiation provides varied pathways so all students can succeed, rather than expecting all students to fit into a particular mold. 

Individualized Learning  

Individualized learning primarily addresses the pace of student learning, and in some cases, its sequence, so that each student is able to have their individual needs met and develop skills at the level they require.  

According to InstructionalDesign.org, created by Greg Kearsley and Richard Culatta, individualized learning “refers to learning experiences in which the pace of learning is adjusted to meet the needs of individual students. In other words, individualized learning focuses on the question of ‘when’ students receive a learning activity. In individualized learning, all students go through the same experience, but they move on at their own individual pace.”  

You can think of individualized learning as falling under the umbrella of personalized learning, as we came to understand it earlier, because it's responsive to the personal needs of each student.   

Often, individualized learning is most visible in adaptive learning platforms, which automatically adjust to give students more practice on concepts they struggle with while also allowing them to move quickly through skills they’ve already mastered. This prevents learners from feeling held back or left behind, and in the process, builds their confidence.  

Learn more: Exact Path’s normed, adaptive diagnostics pinpoint students’ discrete skill gaps and demonstrate growth in math, reading, and language arts. Diagnostic-driven learning paths enable individualized intervention for all students, leading to growth.  

Connecting the Three Approaches 

Taken together, these approaches highlight three interconnected aspects of student-centered education. Personalized learning offers a philosophy and vision, differentiated instruction provides practical strategies for managing classroom diversity, and individualized learning guarantees that pacing and mastery are addressed in ways that make students feel seen and understood.  

Understanding the distinctions and overlaps between each allows teachers to intentionally combine these strategies to meet students where they are and empower them to take ownership of their learning. When thoughtfully implemented—and regularly assessed for effectiveness—the result is a classroom where every student has the opportunity to thrive.  

Exploring Our Tools 

Technology can play a crucial role in bringing personalized, differentiated, and individualized learning to life. Digital platforms make it easier for educators to tailor instruction, track student progress, and provide flexible learning paths that meet each learner’s needs.  

Edmentum offers a variety of products and services that support these approaches. Our solutions include adaptive learning tools, online curriculum and tutoring options, and assessment platforms that help teachers implement individualized pacing, differentiate instruction across groups, and provide opportunities for students to explore their personal interests, strengths, and needs. Learn more about our products: 

• Exact Path: Diagnostic-driven learning paths and powerful teaching tools to scale interventions K–12 in math, reading, and language arts. Exact Path empowers educators to reach all students through personalized instruction.
• Exact Path Standards Mastery: Standards-aligned formative assessments and practice in math, ELA, science, and social studies for grades 3-12 to drive core subject proficiency and test readiness.   
• Targeted Skills Instruction: High-impact K–12 virtual tutoring, aligned to personalized learning paths, closes learning gaps and propels academic growth with program flexibility to target and support unique student needs.