MYP News: Understanding Learning

We should be sceptical of any theory - here is a great Tedtalk debunking learning styles - that says there are different types of students in a class that need to learn in different ways. Learning style theories group students - the fact is each student is unique. We all learn in different ways and not only in one way. AT TIMES depending on the task, our readiness, level of expertise or knowledge, relationships, mental and physical health and other conditions we may need

• to see the whole picture and or the parts
• a step by step approach 
• to hear a lecture
• to make notes
• to be left alone to read through information 
• to listen to a podcast
• to watch a movie
• to study a visual
• to explore by experimenting
• to practice something
• to explore ideas through sharing and thinking with others 
• time to observe closely, make connections, uncover complexity, synthesise
• etc. 

When we have little knowledge on a subject, we may need information and a step by step approach. When we have more knowledge about something, we are held back by a step by step approach, rather we need to be allowed to explore and problem solve through thinking experiences. When we are anxious perhaps we need more structure and less choice. 
Here are some things the faculty at AISL say about learning:

• “Real Learning can be hard and uncomfortable. Real learning can look messy. We may experience a slow awakening or understanding or an ‘aha’ or ‘wonderstanding’.”
• “The most meaningful learning happens when we are confronted with a challenge-- or even a kind of failure.  Our successes breed repetition; we'll continue to use an approach that works until it doesn't.  It's then, when our approaches don't work, that we have to reflect and revise to move forward.”
• “Learning is a dynamic and social celebration... that often takes time to develop.  Some of us take longer than others to see connections sometimes, and that HAS to be alright.”
• “Learning should be an ongoing  activity and it should challenge our ideas. It should make us feel excited and/ or surprised.”
• “If something in the classroom can be made real in some tangible way and can drive students to see relevance for them personally, there is often a natural inclination towards engagement and potential success.”
• “Learning is an ongoing process, there is no 'finished-product' or end to it. It's a cycle of constant reflection and revision. Regardless of the subject matter, we also learn about learning along the way.”
• “I believe that learning has the most impact when students have a clear understanding of the purpose of what they are learning, there is a "real world" connection, and they can be empowered during the process.”
• “Learning should be authentic, relevant and inspiring. It should provoke and challenge thinking, and instil in learners a desire to find out, inquire, reflect.” 
• “Students learn when the environment is safe. They learn at different paces and sometimes need scaffolding. I think if learning can be meaningful and engaging - offer collaboration and variety then students learn.”
• “Schools should work with a growth mindset. This means that we foster a learning environment where making a mistake or failing is simply a learning experience, where praise is given thoughtfully and progress is more or as important as achievement.”

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