Accelerated Learning

Helping Pupils to Become a Super Learners!

Accelerated learning draws together the work of psychologists and educationalists. It is not about 'fast tracking'. It is an approach to learning that quickens the pace and absorption of learning for all abilities.

Check out the details elsewhere but for now check out what it means for everyone in school.

It is based on the following:

• >Pupils cannot learn if they feel stressed or threatened. The classroom must be a warm and welcoming place. Pupils generally feel more secure in lessons that have well established routines.
• Pupils will not learn if they have low self esteem or lack confidence. Teachers need to reassure and encourage them all the time. Pupils who feel that they are unlikely to 'succeed' will not take the risk. They will feel that the best way to avoid losing the competition is not to enter it!
• Pupils need to see 'what's in it for them'. Learning needs to have easily understood personal targets attainable within a reasonable time.
• Pupils learn in different ways. Lessons must include learning through sight, sound and touch. Learning is most effective if it uses as many intelligences as possible, so the use of music rhythm, role play, games and film make it more likely that most Pupils will learn most of the time. Overall achievement seems to be boosted if Pupils exercise all their intelligences.
• There are proven methods to make sure that knowledge is transferred from short term to long term memory. They involve regular review, the use of visual images for abstract concepts and the combining of different 'media' to ensure that 'both' sides of the brain are involved.
• The attention span of pupils is limited. Even adults find it hard to concentrate for more than 25 minutes. Learning should therefore be broken down into 'chunks' with regular breaks for reinforcement and refreshment.

But how can this be implemented in the classroom? Check out a few practical tips.....