learn to learn

Learning to learn

Developing strategies for learners to become independent learners

Samples

How to succeed as a flexible learner

Learners are given strategies for developing independent learning skills. Material is presented in different formats according to learning style.

Source How to succeed as a flexible learner
URL http://www.tafevc.com.au/resources/flexlt/learner/index.html
Use Learners engaging in online and other flexible learning options
Delivery Access to the web.
Customisation NA
Availability From the TAFE Virtual Campus site

Preparing to Learn Flexibly

Some learners reflect on the need to prepare for flexible study. You can click on quotes here to read learners experiences:

Source Preparing to learn flexibly
URL http://www.tafevc.com.au/resources/flexlt/learner/cases/cas_get.htm
Use Supporting information for trainers to support learners to learn flexibly
Delivery Access to the web.
Customisation NA
Availability From the TAFE Virtual Campus site

Learning Online

Guides learners through the key new skills which they must develop to be successful learners in the online environment.

Source Getting started - WestOne website
URL http://www.westone.wa.gov.au/Dynamic/DynamicPge.asp?a=62,0,Std&GID=2
Use New learners to the online environment
Delivery Web access
Customisation NA
Availability NA

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Why include learning to learn activities?

The increased use of online and blended learning opportunities has resulted in learners needing to take greater control over their own learning. The teacher and the classroom structure is no longer paramount in governing their learning behaviour. Essentially, learners need to be able to make decisions about what, how, when, where and why they want to learn. In an ideal situation this involves learners diagnosing their learning needs, negotiating their learning goals, and controlling the content, methods and pace of their learning.

Features

  • encourages learners to reflect on their own learning styles and preferences
  • builds learners' skills and strategies for learning independently and managing their own learning
  • encourages learners to use a range of mediums to learn.

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Integrating learn to learn activities

Learning to learn activities are best integrated into the overall learning program. They can be used at various stages to get learners to reflect on their approach to learning.

Design steps

  1. Review your current online teaching program. Identify the stages and activities which could be exploited to develop skills in learning to learn.
  2. Think about the teaching materials and activities which you use online. Can they be adapted or extended to include a learning to learn focus?
  3. Consider a range of activities which are likely to encourage learners to develop learning strategies and reflect on their learning. These may include a pre-course survey on learning styles and readiness to learn, discussion activities, research , projects , problem-based, e-portfolios etc.

Assessment

It is generally not appropriate to include these activities in assessment tasks.

Generic skills

Learning to learn is either implicit or explicit in many of the generic skills frameworks within the VET sector.

Technical notes

Development of learning to learn activities can vary from simple to quite difficult.

Skills

You will need skills in weaving learning to learn activities into your teaching and in reinforcing ways for learners to successfully manage their own learning.

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See also

From the Framework

More resources from the Australian Flexible Learning Framework

  • Supporting learners
    Any learner needs support within their learning environment. Those in an e-learning environment, whether self-paced or not, require support. Furthermore, technical support is needed to ensure that the course runs smoothly.
    http://industry.flexiblelearning.net.au/Guide/resources/PracticalGuide.pdf then pages 100-108
  • Social Interaction Packs
    This project examined the barriers with online learning, often associated with lack of social interaction, and proposed some practical solutions.
    http://sipresource.flexiblelearning.net.au/index.html
  • Skills assessment for computer based learning
    http://pre2005.flexiblelearning.net.au/innovations/files/qld011/index.htm
    This resource is designed for the learner to self-assess, check and confirm the skills and knowledge they have that will assist them in successfully participating in computer based learning.
  • Flexways
    Flexways is a web-based professional development planning resource for people and teams working in Vocational Education and Training. It helps VET staff to identify and develop their skills for a flexible learning environment resulting in higher quality learning outcomes and orientation to flexible delivery for learners.
    http://flexways.flexiblelearning.net.au/

Tools and resources

Social bookmark for this strategy

http://del.icio.us/designelearn/learning_to_learn

Last modified: 11/6/08