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Supporting effective learning


Effective teachers know and understand ways to motivate and encourage active participation of learners and to promote learner independence. Apart from the underpinning skills required for learning, such as literacy, numeracy, information and communication technology (ICT), study skills, note taking and so on, learners need to understand how they learn effectively to become autonomous. This means developing the habit of reflection, which can have a profound impact on learning how to learn. It is a metacognitive skill that highlights how learning happens and complements the more common focus on what is being learned.

The video resources illustrate ways of encouraging learners to explore how they learn best. Use them to stimulate discussion about supporting 'learning to learn.' Consider:

  • strategies that teachers and learners use to make learning explicit
  • which expert learner characteristics are evident
  • the role of reflection.

Assessment for learning and one to one progress reviews and tutorials also provide vital support for learning. To find out more look at Assessment for learning and Access and progression.

Resources for teacher educators

 - Getting the most out of these resources

  • Learners as researchers - Info 
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      Learners as researchers presentation - PDF Word 
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    Peer support in learning - Info and Web 
  • Learning how to learn - Info 
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      Learning how to learn - PDF 
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    Understanding meaning and language - Info and Web 
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    Giving responsibility to learners - Info and Web 
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    Learners explain their thinking - Info and Web 
  • Assessment for learning - Info 
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      Assessment for learning - PDF 
  • Improve your own learning - Info 
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      Improve your own learning - PDF 
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      Improve your own learning: Cards - PDF 
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      Improve your own learning: Interactive version - Web 
  • Progress review - Info 

Technical information

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