The Learning System can be considered to have fouir key components:
- The Learner
- The Lead Learner
- The Environment
- The Material
The Learner brings COMPETENCE, EXPERIENCE, CONFIDENCE and EXPECTATIONS to the lessons (sessions) they attend. In planning a learning activity we need to consider each of these attributes carefully so beginning the process of personalisation.
The Lead Learner (a more holistic label than that of teacher) brings exactly the same attributes to their lessons. It is often worth questioning and reflecting upon each of these attributes - in particular 'experience' and 'expectations' - as these will often define the classroom atmosphere. The Lead Learner also brings the attribute of FLEXIBILITY - in terms of theiir ability to react to and be proactive about situations that arise within the lesson (session). ALSO the notion of LEAD LEARNER carries two other important assumptions:-
- THE LEAD LEARNER needs to be actively involved in their own learning. Making their learning challenges explicit to the 'other learners' - so being able to activley model the learning process.
- The role of the LEAD LEARNER need not necessarily be owned by the teacher. Pupils can become the LEAD LEARNERS within collaborative learning approaches.
The Environment needs to be:-
- Safe
- Inspiring
- Appropriate
- Supportive
The Lead Learner (Teacher) has the responsibility of managing the learning environment. In order to do this attention must be paid to 'how' the environment is perceived by the learner and the 'emotional hooks' it contains.
The Material needs to be:-
- Engaging
- Relevant
- Emotional
Fairly self explanatory.
In all of the above it is the students perception of the environmental factors and nature of the material that has to be considered.