Question : 06

The Dalton Plan is a student-centered approach to education

developed by Helen Parkhurst in the early 20th century. It emphasizes
individual learning and aims to foster independence, responsibility,
and social skills in students. Here are the main features of the Dalton
Plan:

1. House System: The school is divided into smaller groups called

"houses." Each house has a teacher who acts as a guide, mentor, and
resource person for the students within that group. The house system
fosters a sense of community and belonging for students.

2. Individualized Learning: Students work on assignments at their own

pace, following a personalized learning plan. This plan outlines the learning
objectives for each subject and allows students to choose how they will
achieve them.

3. The Lab: The traditional classroom setting is replaced by a "laboratory"

environment. Subjects are divided into "contracts" or units of work, with
each contract having specific learning objectives. Students work
independently in the labs, utilizing various resources like textbooks,
workbooks, and teacher guidance to complete their contracts.

4. Freedom and Responsibility: Students have the freedom to choose the

order in which they complete their contracts, allowing them to prioritize
subjects based on their interests or needs. However, this freedom comes
with the responsibility of managing their time effectively to meet deadlines.

5. Student Collaboration: While students work independently,

collaboration is encouraged. Students can help each other with challenging
concepts and learn from each other's approaches.

Benefits of the Dalton Plan:

● Promotes self-directed learning and fosters independence in students.

● Encourages critical thinking and time management skills.
● Provides opportunities for personalized learning based on individual
needs and interests.
● Develops a sense of responsibility and ownership over learning.

Challenges of the Dalton Plan:

● Requires strong self-motivation and time management skills from

students, which may not be suitable for all learners.
● Teachers need significant training and resources to effectively
personalize learning plans and manage the lab environment.
● The lack of traditional classroom instruction can limit opportunities for
whole-group discussions and teacher-led explanations.

The Dalton Plan continues to influence educational practices today, with

schools incorporating elements like student choice and personalized
learning into their curriculum.