Today, when choosing a school for their children, parents are increasingly looking for institutions that provide not only traditional education, but also an individual approach. It is important for them that schools not only provide modern technologies or “fashionable” educational trends, but also be able to adapt to the uniqueness of each child. This includes not only academic achievements, but also the ability to take into account the child’s emotional well-being, creative development and social skills. Laura Monkevičiūtė-Aliukonė, Deputy Head of Education at KD International School of Vilnius, talks about the importance of individualized education.
Children learn not only during lessons
According to L. Monkevičiūtė-Aliukonė, schools that know and value their mission have the opportunity to offer not only good academic results, but also help children grow as personalities.
"The concept of a good school says that no two schools are the same. Each school has its own uniqueness and mission, thanks to which it can provide exceptional education. This is one of the main reasons why parents often choose private schools, where smaller classes and a more flexible education system allow for greater attention to each student," says the specialist.
The educationist also notes that an individual approach to a child is not limited to the academic field. It also includes the child's emotional well-being, the development of creativity, and the development of social skills.
"Each child has their own unique way of communicating, learning and responding to the world. These aspects are more difficult to measure, but they are no less important than academic achievements. Schools that, in order to achieve higher results, abandon art, sports lessons or outdoor breaks in order to "prepare for the MNPP or a test", may be depriving the child of "their lesson", that part of the day that they were looking forward to the most. After all, school is not only about languages and mathematics. An education system that takes these aspects into account helps children achieve better results not only in science, but also in life. As educationists say, school is life, and children learn here not only during classes. They learn many lessons during breaks, playing, losing and winning, communicating with their peers. This is one of the main aspects that allows children to grow as personalities," says L. Monkevičiūtė-Aliukonė.
Must be able to work in a group
The specialist adds that science has proven that learning through social experiences, such as interacting with peers, resolving conflicts, or working on team projects, is essential for both academic and personal development. According to her, while schools must take into account the individual needs of each child, the student must also be able to work in a group and function in society. The ability to cooperate and work in a team are essential skills that children must acquire in the modern education system.
"As technologies improve and artificial intelligence becomes friends with the educational process, the needs of the labor market are also changing - critical thinking, the ability to work in teams and adapt to different people and situations are becoming essential. Skills such as empathy, communication skills and negotiation skills are developed not only in lessons, but also through daily social contacts at school. Every child, regardless of their learning needs, must learn to work in a group, adhere to agreements and be responsible for their contribution to group work," says the deputy head of education at KD International School of Vilnius.
A clearly defined mission and goals are important
The specialist notes that it is extremely important for schools to refine their values and ability to offer precisely the kind of educational experience that meets not only today's but also tomorrow's needs. To do this, it is necessary to have a clearly defined mission that will help not only educate children on the basis of knowledge, but also promote their critical thinking, creativity, independence and self-confidence.
"We at KD International School of Vilnius choose individualized education, not relying only on fashionable educational methods, but aiming to provide each child with what they need so that they can grow, learn and reach their optimal height. Children study at our school - individuals, just like in any school. Each of them is unique and authentic, even twins, after all, they are different. With each of them, having established a connection and getting to know them, we set goals: long-term - at the beginning of the semester, short-term - every day. If logical problems are more difficult, we invite our students after classes to a circle of solving such problems. Those who have only recently arrived in Lithuania and do not know our language, we invite them to Lithuanian lessons. And if you are already cracking math problems like nuts while your friends are sharing within the limits of the multiplication table, maybe you will start to pull the roots, because that is exactly your goal for the semester. And if, while you are writing an essay, your classmate distracts you, the teacher will offer you a screen to help you concentrate, and in music class, when doing rhythm exercises, it will be too loud - maybe noise-canceling headphones will help? And the funniest thing is that in those moments when you want to be sad or happy, all children have THAT person at school. For some, it is the class teacher, for others, a psychologist, and still others will first rush to the door of the school principal Asta Jagela, because she is always open to everyone, or maybe the student will consult with the hostess, who often helps find a lost shoe and always listens. And all these different adults at school always care, so they are ready to sincerely help,” L. Monkevičiūtė-Aliukonė is proud of her school team.
Individual education is a necessity, not a choice
According to L. Monkevičiūtė-Aliukonė, an individual approach to a child allows you to help him acquire social skills at a pace and in a way that meets his personal needs and capabilities.
"Each child is unique and requires different methods and approaches in order to successfully integrate into a group and become a responsible, empathetic and self-confident person. These skills not only improve learning outcomes, but also help the child become an active member of society, ready to solve real life situations. Schools that choose individualized education become not only educational institutions, but also places where children are given the opportunity to become responsible, creative and self-confident individuals. Today's education system must take into account the uniqueness of the child and provide him with the opportunity to grow not only as a student, but also as a personality. This is a priority at our school, because only through individualized education can we ensure that each child reaches his or her optimal height," the educationist claims.
