Learning To Learn In Higher Education

Originally published in 1982, Learning to Learn in Higher Education analyses the factors that govern effective student learning and looks at the way that these can be improved by changing the way that courses are administered. It examines preparation for higher education and the effect of school systems on the individual student. In acknowledging the academic importance of motivation, maturity and effective study methods it discusses the way that these can be developed and encouraged within the present educational system. In determining the goals of higher education in the 1980s and beyond, it is important that financial considerations, the clamour of industry for vocational courses, the development of technological-scientific research does not obscure the needs of the individual learner.

Ultimately, the authors make a compelling case not only for this turn to learning but for creating new pathways for nonfaculty learning careers, understanding the limits of professional organizations and social media, and the need to establish this new interdisciplinary field of learning innovation.

This new guide builds on the hugely successful materials the authors have developed over the last 15 years. Along with highly practical guidance on traditional learning skills, The Guide to Learning and Study Skills provides guidance for students on learning in a blended environment; the increased use of personal and professional development planning, continuing professional development and work-based learning.

This bestselling book is a unique introduction to the practice of university teaching and its underlying theory. This new edition has been fully revised and updated in view of the extensive changes which have taken place in higher education over the last decade and includes new material on the higher education context, evaluation and staff development. The first part of the book provides an outline of the experience of teaching and learning from the student's point of view, out of which grows a set of prinicples for effective teaching in higher education. Part two shows how these ideas can enhance educational standards, looking in particular at four key areas facing every teacher in higher education: * Organising the content of undergraduate courses * Selecting teaching methods * Assessing student learning * Evaluating the effectivenesss of teaching. Case studies of exemplary teaching are used throughout to connect ideas to practice and to illustrate how to ensure better student learning. The final part of the book looks in more detail at appraisal, performance indicators, accountability and educational development and training. The book is essential reading for new and experienced lecturers, particularly those following formal programmes in university teaching, such as courses leading to ILT accreditation.

Developing Inquiry for Learning shows how university tutors can help students to improve their abilities to learn and to become professional inquirers. An increasing proportion of students entering higher education seem to assume that learning is a relatively passive process. This may be the largest single limitation on their achievement. University tutors need to be able to respond creatively to studentsâe(tm) learning needs and difficulties. The modern teaching environment in higher education demands a sophisticated approach to teaching, learning and assessment i.e. the curriculum: its planning, its development and tutorsâe(tm) professional development. Tutors need fresh ideas about how to challenge studentsâe(tm) spoon-fed approach, to enable them to become collaborative, yet independently motivated learners. In the innovative and practically proven approach developed by the authors of this book, students are guided to implement action research into their learning practices and reflections. Using a rolling programme of cyclical inquiries and whole group âe~conferencesâe(tm) on improving learning, students write âe~patchesâe(tm) on learning development which are then shared across the year group online. Each studentâe(tm)s cumulative set of patches, together with their regular reflective writing, provide the basis for assembling a composite final assignment, a âe~Patchwork Textâe(tm), for assessment. This style of curriculum and assessment organisation encourages regular peer feedback and formative assessment, as part of the whole module process. This is a dynamic approach which builds personal confidence within students, both as learners and as professionals. Providing teaching materials and examples of studentsâe(tm) responses, including the use of blogs, wikis and discussion boards, Developing Inquiry for Learning analyses and theorises on the deeper characteristics of the difficulties being addressed. With the provision of relevant frameworks of theory and values, readers are amply equipped to adopt, adapt and experiment within their own developments of teaching and curricula. Tutors, particularly programme leaders, and those who are responsible for the quality of student learning across programmes, are challenged in various ways to re-evaluate current provision and are helped to improve it in ways which can be matched to local situations and priorities. Peter Ovens was Principal Lecturer in Professional and Curriculum Development at Nottingham Trent University and is now a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Cumbria. Frances Wells is a Principal Lecturer in Education at Nottingham Trent University Pat Wallis is a Senior lecturer in Professional Studies at Nottingham Trent University. Cyndy Hawkins is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Education at Nottingham Trent University

A surprisingly simple way for students to master any subject--based on one of the world's most popular online courses and the bestselling book A Mind for Numbers A Mind for Numbers and its wildly popular online companion course "Learning How to Learn" have empowered more than two million learners of all ages from around the world to master subjects that they once struggled with. Fans often wish they'd discovered these learning strategies earlier and ask how they can help their kids master these skills as well. Now in this new book for kids and teens, the authors reveal how to make the most of time spent studying. We all have the tools to learn what might not seem to come naturally to us at first--the secret is to understand how the brain works so we can unlock its power. This book explains: • Why sometimes letting your mind wander is an important part of the learning process • How to avoid "rut think" in order to think outside the box • Why having a poor memory can be a good thing • The value of metaphors in developing understanding • A simple, yet powerful, way to stop procrastinating Filled with illustrations, application questions, and exercises, this book makes learning easy and fun.

Learning to Research and Researching to Learn is an essential introduction to developing research skills and conducting practitioner research in the field of education.