Innovation What does it look like in Adult Learning?

The Teaching Cycle

What does this mean for us? Plan- “Teachers identify the objectives for each learning activity clearly. Learning objectives are based on skill development alongside the acquisition of knowledge.” “Schemes of work support the use of regular assessment to ensure that teachers monitor learners’ development of skills over time and support them to increase their rates of progress.” Plan in opportunities for dialogue and feedback on teaching & learning.

What does this mean for us? Deliver-”Teachers ensure that their detailed strategies are tailored closely to learners’ needs and to covering what needs to be taught” (negotiated course content). Alongside this, they regularly assess how thoroughly learning is taking place and what learners think about it. “Because of this, they are able to reshape their approaches appropriately, quickly, confidently and with impact.”

What does this mean for us? Assess- “Teachers ensure that learners use peer- and self-assessment widely and effectively.” To what extent do you use peer or self- assessment? Do you teach learners these skills? Would these skills improve rates of progress? Do you ask learners for feedback on teaching methods you use during the course?

What does this mean for us? Evaluate- “Learners and staff work together to set and review targets so that the process is meaningful and rigorous.” Learner/ tutor dialogue- how often does this take place within your groups? Impact can be immediate and profound.

Improvement “Providers develop confidence, capacity and sustainability in teaching teams by using small teams of internal experts to undertake observations.” “Teachers undertake peer-observation and promote a culture of learning from each other.” In what ways do you adapt to improve on a weekly basis?

Invention “Teachers are encouraged to be innovative and creative and to try different approaches and take risks.”

Adaptation “Tutors flexibly use a wide range of teaching strategies and approaches that very successfully enhance all learners’ development.” “They base these strategies and their approach on developing learners’ essential skills and knowledge. They adapt these quickly and effectively according to learners’ progress.

Summary The purpose of this presentation was not to give you answers but to encourage you to find your own. Key message- greater learner involvement enables you to make high impact changes as they are needed. Final thought- “Technology-fuelled change; If you really are doing things the way they’ve always been done, there’s almost certainly a better way.”