Learner variability as a multidimensional construct spanning cognitive, social, emotional, and background factors¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 2 claims (2 for) · 1 study (1 associational), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 2 claims rest on one study

Description¶

The survey defines "learner variability" as a construct covering the abilities students have and the challenges they bring to learning. As the report states, "Factors include their cognitive, social and emotional skills, as well as personal background, including health and psychological well-being, among other things." The survey used this definition to measure public, parent, and teacher recognition of variability between students and across subjects, and to frame questions about tailored instruction and edtech support for diverse learners.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• The construct is measured through public perception survey items rather than direct assessment of learners

Constraints¶

• The report notes its statistical models explain little total variance and predictors are correlates, not necessarily causal

Target Learners¶

• K-12 students in U.S. public schools

Target Learning Objectives¶

• Recognizing and addressing differences in how individual students learn across cognitive, social, emotional, and background dimensions

Claims¶

• Learner Variability Perceived Widespread [+M]
• Vast majorities prefer tailored instruction over whole group instruction, but only a minority think schools currently do a good job supporting learner variability [+W]

Related Theories¶

• Learner variability whole child framework: strengths and challenges across content, cognition, social-emotional learning, and student background

Examples¶

• Learner Variability Project (LVP)

Key Sources¶

• Digital Promise Global (2019). Learning in the 21st Century: How the American Public, Parents, and Teachers View Students’ Potential and Their Learning Experience. Digital Promise Global: Washington, DC. https://digitalpromise.dspacedirect.org/items/32480546-27ed-4785-8703-bf66b74f6bfd