Learning strategies


EffectiveLearningStr	Learning strategies Learning Conversation Training: particularly relevant to tutoring, coaching and mentoring and to the effective implementation of individual learning plans [ILPs]
The learning organisation Leading teams Effective communication Classroom observation training Teaching methods Core capabilites and essential skills Training the trainers How I work About Angela Myers Contact Angela Myers HOME	Although teaching and learning are complementary to each other they are not the same thing. Hence in my work I take care to separate them. This section focuses on learning. Effective teaching requires an understanding of how we best learn so understanding how to improve learning strategies is central in the armoury of effective teaching methods. For sessions that focus particularly on teaching please click on Teaching methods in the menu on the left. Sessions focusing on improving learning are underpinned by learning conversation training. This is an approach based on the theories and research of Laurie Thomas and Sheila Harri-Augstein at Brunel University which in turn is based on personal construct psychology. It is a powerful approach that enables learners to reflect on their own learning strategies and become progressively more effective learners. The approach is relevant for subject teachers and personal tutors. It gives them the tools to help their students become effective and autonomous learners. It is relevant within the traditional classroom as well as having particular relevance to students in distance and open learning settings. The approach underpins the training of mentors and coaches and is relevant for developing the reflective skills required to continually improve one’s own practice. The training usually takes the shape of an introductory day and a final half day plenary. In between there are five one-hour sessions in which participants discuss the ten-minute real learning conversation that they have videoed previously. The discussions take place either alone with the tutor or in pairs. At the end of each video review day a one-hour plenary is often scheduled for all participants. For colleges who want to develop the capacity to train all their staff in this approach there is also a training the trainers programme. The learning conversation is highly appropriate in working with students on their individual learning plans. The documentation for ILPs can be organised to facilitate the learning conversation and I have worked with a number of colleges to enable this to happen. The educational reforms recommended by the Tomlinson Report will require students to develop meaningful individual learning plans and will depend on staff having the skills to be excellent tutors and mentors. Individual learning plans can be appropriate for all students. The underpinning principles are relevant for students with additional needs and students developing their skills for life as well as for students on academic and vocational programmes at all levels including Higher Education. In all these cases the effective use of ILPs can raise success levels dramatically. Sessions on ILPs have taken a number of different routes but essentially I offer: Consultancy on how to implement ILPs across the college including developing documentation and associated systems A session for staff on understanding the rationale for ILPs and the concepts underpinning them [this can also include using the college’s paper work] ILPs in action – including an introduction to learning conversations and how opportunities to achieve goals identified in personal ILPs can be provided in the classroom If you would like to know more about how I can work with you to improve students’ learning strategies or develop individual learning plans please contact me on mobile 07973 803266 or by email TOP OF PAGE

Learning strategies

Learning Conversation Training: particularly relevant to tutoring, coaching and mentoring and to the effective implementation of individual learning plans [ILPs]