Create Playlists for Learners

NOTE: This strategy is part of the self-paced Customize the Learning Experience Course

A learning playlist is a sequence of learning experiences and resources designed for students to work through at their own pace in order to achieve the desired learning objectives. Playlists are inherently flexible; learners can work on a playlist for a few minutes, a class period, a day, a week, or even a full course. Most often, playlists scaffold learners from DOK Level 1 to Level 3-4.

Often educators embed a “minimum pace,” a cadence that students should keep in order to stay on track. Students who fall behind the minimum pace meet 1-1 with the teacher to co-create a plan to get back on track.

Bright Spots

Gain inspiration from authentic examples of this strategy shared by teachers who have used them with their learners.

Creating your own Bright Spots? Let’s get them out into the world! Share yours here.

Literary Argument Writing Playlist

Dr. Catlin Tucker leverages playlists with HS learners to build their ability to write literary-based argument pieces. Photo credit

Daily Activities Playlist

Teachers at a K-8 school in San Francisco, CA use a playlist for activities students must do during a daily flexible work block. This example is from 1st grade. The camera symbol means the activity must be documented. In addition to working on their playlist (independently or with their peers) during this time, students meet with teachers in small groups.

Learning Playlist

An upper elementary school teacher in New Hampshire uses an interactive bulletin board to highlight the activities in a learning playlist. Students work at their own pace, provided they stay ahead of the leprechaun. If a student falls behind the leprechaun, this triggers a 1-1 conference with the teacher to create a plan to get back on track to complete the learning playlist.

Parts of Speech Playlist

Nadie Gilkison created a digital playlist for her learners to review Parts of Speech concepts.

Genius Hour Playlist

Dr. Catlin Tucker also leverages playlists to support self-pacing during Genius Hour.

Resources

Inspired? Use the resources below to bring this learner-centered strategy to your learning community.

📖 Playlists: A Path to Personalizing Learning
📖 Using Playlists to Differentiate Instruction
📖 Incorporate Playlists Into Blended Learning

Associated Learner-Centered Competencies:

Design for equitable access:
I design learning experiences that are flexible and ensure that all learners are able to equitably access, engage with, and share their learning.

Provide Voice and Choice:
I design learning experiences that offer flexibility in process, product and/or pace.