8 Benefits of Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) for Higher Education
Individual learning plans (ILPs) have been developed to help students succeed in higher education. It recognises that not all students learn the same way and a tailored approach may often be required.
Although individual learning plans benefit students, they also provide many advantages for higher education bodies. In this article, we explain all.
What Is an Individual Learning Plan?
Individual learning plans (ILPs) are used throughout the UK education system, primarily in higher education for higher and degree apprenticeships. They offer a personalised document tailored to a student’s specific needs and map out the learning journey to match.
Each ILP caters to a student's unique needs, strengths, weaknesses and goals. They often detail:
Personal goals
Strengths and weaknesses
Learning strategies and techniques
Support services
Clear timelines
Regular reviews and updates
Transition to the workplace.
While ILPs have many obvious benefits for the student, what do they mean for higher education bodies? Here are some of the advantages:
1. Optimise Resource Allocation
Resources are precious in terms of time and cost in higher education, so they mustn’t be wasted and used as efficiently as possible. Individual learning plans ensure this by optimising resource allocation.
ILPs are specific and outline what a student needs, so higher education institutions can allocate the correct resources to the right student, whether support services, tutoring or specific lesson plans.
2. Enhance Student Engagement
Tailoring learning to a specific student’s needs and goals through ILPs will enhance their engagement and motivation, particularly when partaking in practical learning through higher and degree apprenticeships. It gives students a sense of ownership, empowering them to undertake their education to the best of their abilities.
3. Offer a Personalised Approach
ILPs recognise that higher education rarely has a one-size-fits-all type of learning. Different students have varying needs and learning preferences, whether that be a traditional university cause or a degree apprenticeship, which an IPL acknowledges and builds strategies tailored to a student's specific needs.
Not only does this enhance the overall learning experience for both the student and teaching staff, but it allows students to succeed and staff to feel motivated in their work.
4. Make Data-Driven Decisions
Data is highly valuable in higher education. It provides insights into student performance, assesses student retention, improves teaching effectiveness and paints a picture of an institution's overall performance.
ILPs feed into this by providing valuable data on student performance and their learning patterns, which has a knock-on effect on resource requirements and student retention. This data is crucial in the decision-making process, as well as in budgeting for resources and developing the curriculum.
5. Develop Communication Frameworks
Effective communication is essential if students want to get the most out of their higher education and vice versa. ILPs provide a clear, structured plan with specific outcomes and goals everyone can familiarise themselves with and align to get the most out of apprenticeships.
This framework allows for clear communication, commitment and responsibility for the institution, staff and students to minimise misunderstandings.
6. Offer Tailored Support
ILPs aren’t just about learning. They also focus on the support that supplements student learning. Often, the support a student needs is identified too late. IPLs can help eliminate this.
As part of an ILP development, support is a crucial element that’s assessed and mapped out. Doing so enables effective support plans and timely assistance that will prevent students from falling behind or leaving an institution.
7. Gain Accreditations
Accreditations and certifications are essential within higher education, as they signify quality assurance and a good reputation.
IPLs contribute towards institutions receiving recognition as it shows that individual higher education body is committed to their student's success, learning and supplementary support.
8. Align Learning and Outcomes
ILPs align students, staff, curriculums and institutions. ILPs are often designed with the course's learning outcomes in mind, which helps students achieve the intended educational goals.
This benefits higher education as ILPs mean the teaching will align more with the individual’s needs. The students will be more likely to achieve better grades, contributing to the institution's success.
Gain More Insights to Help You in Your Role
Ultimately, ILPs are beneficial for all parties involved, not just students. If you’re looking for more initiatives and insights that ensure the success of your higher education role, then sign up for our newsletter and we’ll deliver all the latest straight to your inbox.
