Learning to learn approaches have positive impact

Learning to learn approaches have positive impact

Learning to learn approaches have positive impact in schools, delegates to be told

At a conference to be held on Friday 10 June in Kensington Town Hall in London, delegates will hear about the latest findings from a major research project currently taking place in over thirty schools. The research set up by the lifelong learning charity, Campaign for Learning and supported by the University of Newcastle's Learning and Teaching Centre is already showing that introducing approaches which makes the learning process explicit can have a positive impact on the way that pupils view themselves as learners and their motivation to learn. In some schools a rise in attainment has already been achieved where learning to learn approaches have been used.

Linda Siegle, chief executive, of the Campaign for Learning said, 'Much of what goes on in schools is directed towards children acquiring the knowledge they need to get them through their school years. Our project schools are also looking at the wider and longer term picture that is, investigating the teaching and learning approaches which can help pupils develop as independent, self-directed and confident lifelong learners. This research is making an important contribution to our understanding of how this works in practice.'

Bob Wicks, chair of Select Education which is sponsoring the conference, said, 'I applaud the Campaign for Learning's approach. Teaching has to be more than just getting children through examinations. Producing lifelong learners will not only improve the life-chances of pupils, but also make the job of the teacher more stimulating and even more worthwhile. This has to be good for teacher recruitment and retention too.'

A new book based on the project, Learning to learn for life: research and practical examples for the foundation stage and key stage 1 will be launched at the event. The book features schools involved in the research, explaining the different approaches they are using and the effects they have had in the classroom.