Three words that are often confused when educators research student-centered classrooms:

• Personalization: Students co-create learning experiences with the teacher, incorporating opportunities for voice, social construction, and self-discovery.
• Differentiation: The teacher provides levels of instruction, product options, or reading level text.  Choices for students may be given, but for the most part the teacher has made all of the learning decisions. (Think: ability group assignments, Canvas Mastery Paths)
• Individualization: The teacher provides individualized plans for one or each student. Students may have some control of pace. (Think: adaptive digital programs such as iXL or Canvas Modules to work through)