Improving pupils learning
The benefits of learning how to learn for pupils in both primary and secondary school can be overwhelming, for the natural way in which most pupils learn their work is stunningly inefficient.
Where pupils can be given an awareness and experience of a range of effective methods of learning that are available to them it can make all the difference – whatever the age of the child. Suddenly those pupils and students who have struggled to learn by “reading through” or attempting to learn by heart find that a different approach can make all the difference.
Learning becomes enjoyable, and topics and facts can be learned in half the time previously taken.
The problem is that most pupils don’t get much of a chance learn about learning – at least until the end of their studies. But, when they do, the motivation and self esteem that can be gained from the resultant rapid success itself becomes a factor in motivating them to ever higher goals.
I worked on the project of understanding different approaches to learning as part of research I was involved in at Nottingham University, and as a result two programmes of work were published which deal with methods of learning, one for primary schools and one for secondary. (I don’t normally take up space in this news service mentioning my own work, but I thought I’d make an exception today. Normal service will be resumed with the next email.)
Neither of these books needs the teacher to introduce separate lessons on how to learn (although this remains an option). Instead, if you prefer, the lessons can be integrated into the existing timetable.
For secondary pupils there is Raising Grades through Study Skills which includes all the skills that pupils will need to improve their study skills and raise grades throughout secondary schooling.
For KS2 pupils there is Improving Children’s Learning, which develops the same themes in ways that can appeal to primary aged children
Each book is based around the children experiencing one learning technique at a time, and each one takes a matter of moments. The new technique is then applied to their learning through the following week.
Although pupils and students will benefit most from using learning techniques as early as possible, those pupils introduced to the methods later in their schooling can still benefit enormously and achieve higher grades as a result.
The books come in a loose leaf ring binder or can be bought on CD Rom, allowing you to develop and modify parts of the text that you wish to personalise for the school. The text includes all the activities that the pupils will need to develop their study techniques, and includes an unlimited photocopy licence for use of the materials by pupils within the school.
Raising Grades Through Study Skills ISBN 978 1 86083 441 7
Order coder: T1329EMN
Improving Children’s Learning ISBN 978 1 86083 461 5
Order code: T1341EMN
Prices for each book:
Photocopiable report in a ring binder: £24.95 plus £3.95 delivery
T1329 is also available on CD for the same price. Buy the ringbinder and CD for £41.94 plus £3.95 delivery
Prices include VAT.
You can purchase the reports…
By post from First and Best, Hamilton House, Earlstrees Ct., Earlstrees Way, Corby, NN17 4HH
By fax to 01536 399 012
On line with a credit card. Sample pages are available to download from the website.
Raising Grades http://tinyurl.com/d66cak
Improving Childrens Learning http://tinyurl.com/cnhjry
By phone with a school order number or a credit card to 01536 399 011