Understanding Effective Learning

List of activities, strategies for the classroom and case studies
List of tables and figures
Preface

Introduction
Overview: what is learning?
The problem with learning
The competing social settings of learning
Learning strategies and the individual learner
Learning strategies and the teacher
Whole school approaches to learning strategies
Standards: developing the debate about independent and effective learning

Glossary
Bibliography

Within education, concepts such as learning styles, learning strategies and independent learning are often cited as important areas for development in schools (DFES 1998, 2001) but these are rarely satisfactorily defined. It is essential for teachers to develop a detailed understanding of learning across the curriculum, as well as appropriate strategies, if children are to learn effectively.

This book explores these important concepts by examining learning in a range of classroom settings and drawing on evidence from teachers and pupils, through interviews and observations. The focus is two-fold: to understand learning in the classroom, and to develop practices which will support learning. Topics explored include:

• Models of learning
• Learning strategies and the teacher
• Learning strategies and the learner
• Assessment for Learning
• The social dimension of children’s learning

The book provides a rich mixture of examples, reflection points, case studies and strategies for the classroom to provide the reader with a wide range of ideas to encourage more effective learning in their classroom.

Understanding Effective Learning is key reading for student, beginning and early career teachers in primary education.