The matrix can be manipulated to meet the individual needs of your class or the topic you are studying. The matrix below was created for a VET Entertainment class. It is built on the principles of Multiple Intelligence and Bloom's Taxonomy. For this matrix I have used colour coding to guide students use of the grid. If students completed the yellow shaded tasks correctly and the purple task (which is the final assessment) they would be competent and demonstrate the outcomes for the course. However, they could complete these task in which ever order they wished and also extend into other areas of interest to enhance their basic knowledge further. Each task was also allocated wattage. This measured the difficulty of the task. Completing Kinesthetic Task 9 for example would obtaining them 20 units of wattage. This also operated like a point system. The students called this 'Powering Up' and they would set themselves weekly wattage goals to achieve. It also allowed me to monitor their progress throughout the unit. Work was saved to Google Drive for marking. It was instant and continuous allowing me to progressively mark and provide them with ongoing feedback on their progress. They also had the option to choose whether they wanted to work as an individual (I), a pair (P) or a group (Group of 3 = G3). This was the core of the audio / vision unit and I operated as a facilitator in class to assist the students in their completion of tasks. Throughout the unit I would run mini workshops on the apps, equipment, and concepts built into the matrix and the students that needed this specific knowledge would attend these workshops. If they already knew how to roll a lead correctly, they wouldn't attend that specific workshop. This allowed for students to maximise their learning time and increase their overall skill base.
Why not experiment with a learning matrix for your next unit of work? It is a flexible tool that could be used in any context. It lends itself to student-centred, differentiated learning that is engaging and assists in developing time management, independent learning and specialised skill development.