Learning Theories
 The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be ignited.
Plutarch
This sub-track is concerned with a number of learning theories, all of which aim to make the learning experience more effective and enjoyable by employing holistic approaches and by involving the 'whole person'. While much of traditional learning, especially for older students, can become narrowly intellectual, serious and boring, the newer approaches aim to be more stimulating and fun, with a full engagement of the student's mind, body and spirit.
The following are some typical features of these approaches:
- There is an expectation that everyone has enormous potential to do things beyond the range of their current performance. (See Human Potential.)
- The student's feelings are regarded as a key ingredient of successful learning.
- It is important to get the learner into an optimal state for learning - this is one of relaxed concentration. (See Inner Game.)
- The learning should involve a rich use of the five senses and should employ a range of activities: story-telling, role play, songs, games, etc.
- There will be a significant use of right brain hemisphere functions: visual imaging, colour, music, creativity, etc. (See Left Brain-Right Brain.)
Particular Theories
The following are the particular theories which are included on the Learning Theories sub-track:
- A whole person approach and specifically the model developed by John Heron
- Effective learning methods and specifically the system developed by Colin Rose
- A teaching method, developed by Georgi Lozanov, and originally applied mainly in language teaching
- Neuro-Linguistic Programming, originally developed by Richard Bandler and John Grinder - an evolving set of theories, techniques and models designed to help people achieve excellence
To find out more about any of the above theories, click on the appropriate heading.
Further Information
For further information about learning theories see:
- ABC of Learning: concepts for theories about learning by Andrew Roberts
Learning Theories - Ability
Models and Theories of Learning
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