Learning to learn

This programme provides a challenging and comprehensive insight into how we learn and enables participants to maximise learning opportunities through effective self-management techniques.

Level 

Programme is appropriate for learners at entry, intermediate and advanced levels.

Objectives

  • To understand how we learn most effectively
  • To identify a range of approaches to learning
  • To clarify different styles of learning and how to maximise our effectiveness
  • To develop capability in self-management for greater effectiveness
  • To appreciate the challenge of behaviour change
  • To build skill in coaching self and others

Process

Exercise – Team exercise to experience learning / change. Discuss observations.

Learning about Learning – Learning as natural. Defining learning and education. Learning as outcome & process. Adult Learning. Self-directed learning. Hard or soft skills. Importance of practice and experience. Barriers to learning. Challenge vs. support – comfort zones, stretch, panic.

Learning Cycle – Kolb’s four stages – concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualisation and active experimentation. Balanced approach. Where does the cycle begin for you? – styles and preferences.

Learning Styles – Honey & Mumford’s styles – activists, reflectors, theorists and pragmatists. Self-assessment. Understanding styles. Building on strengths. Adapting to circumstances and learning needs. Getting the best out of the styles.

Behaviour Change – Conscious Competence model – unconscious incompetence, conscious incompetence, conscious competence and unconscious competence. Comfort zones, autopilot, force of habit, conscious choice, changing behaviour. Practical application.Approaches to Learning – Six diverse approaches – pictorial, sequential, context, overview, detail and auditory / verbal. Identifying preferred approaches. How to engage these different approaches. Fun exercise to experience the different approaches and their effect on memory and recall.

Psychology of Learning – Psychological elements – awareness, thinking, feelings, values, behaviours, reason, identify, purpose. Interdependence of psychological elements. Effect on learning. Self-management – intrinsic vs. extrinsic drivers, emotional intelligence, self-esteem. Attitude – ownership, self-discipline, positive outlook, curiosity. Balanced life-style – rest, exercise, work, etc.

Memory – Fun experiential exercise. Challenge of recall. Techniques to enhance recall – first, repetition, experience, outstanding, practice, association, last, etc. Brain – left and right hemispheres. Being fit for learning. Multi-channel learning – auditory, visual and feeling. Power of awareness – conscious competence.

Learning Process – Planning – objectives, motives, time management, physical space, structure / routine, networking / support, resources, etc. Implementation – monitoring, making adjustments, recognising progress, celebrating success.

Coaching Self & Others – Role of the coach – awareness / responsibility. GROW coaching process – goals, reality, options and will. Coaching skills – listening, questioning, rapport and feedback. Creating the climate for learning. Challenge and support. Reflection and self-coaching. Practical exercises.
Tools & Techniques – Purpose, vision, SMART objectives, learning logs, mind maps, mnemonics, pictures and symbols, practice, evaluation, feedback, etc.

Options

Programme is suited for a 1 day workshop for 8 to 10 learners.