Strategies for Learning

Author: Margaret Sutherland and Colin Sutherland

Tackle barriers to learning with this brand new resource by Margaret Sutherland and Colin Sutherland – providing your students with a range of skills that can boost and strengthen their learning.

There is an urgent need to develop techniques that will turn students onto learning.  Teachers need help to tackle the learning blocks that many students have developed over the years and to empower them with a range of skills and techniques that can be used to boost and strengthen their learning. This is where Strategies for Learning comes in.

This title, from the authors of The Behaviour Management Toolkit, uses five basic techniques to bring about changes to learning that will enable you to do the following.

• Challenge the way your students think about things to help them believe they can achieve.

• Encourage your students to become more self-aware so they can examine their own thinking.

• Consider with your students how use of language affects their thought patterns.

• Teach your students various techniques in relation to breathing and muscle control that can directly assist in changing attitudes and feelings about learning.

• Teach students how the imagination can be used to help them achieve.

How does the book work?

The main practical tool used throughout this book is the student worksheet.  Tutor notes at the start of each unit explain the concepts employed and provide instructions for use.

Who is this book for?

The materials in this book are intended for use by a range of professionals including teachers, learning mentors, special needs co-ordinators and teaching assistants.  Working with the students will help to establish the good rapport that is essential in helping them to make changes.

How do I use it?

The way in which the handbook is used will vary according to both the tutor’s objectives and the time available.  The early units, ‘Removing Blocks to Learning’ and ‘Becoming A Good Learner’ aim to develop positive attitudes to learning amongst students who have lost confidence in their own ability to learn and are best used with individuals or small groups.  Other units can be used to form part of a PSE or study skills programme with larger groups or with small groups or individuals to address a specific problem.  The tutor notes and selected worksheets can also be used for staff training sessions to help all staff to support students who are attempting to change their learning behaviour.

Below is an outline of the contents and worksheets that are included in Strategies for Learning:

Unit 1: Removing Blocks To Learning
A Born Learner
Feels Good
Just Listen To Yourself
Some More Learning Blocker
About ANTs
More About ANTs
Try It Yourself
Practice Makes Perfect
No, It’s Not A Catastrophe
Try It Out
Learn From Others

Unit 2: Learn With Confidence
Step Back
Write About It
Press The Button
A Walk Into The Future
About Goals
Setting Goals
Test Out Your Goals
Steps To Success
Take Charge

Unit 3: Learning Styles and Thinking Skills
I’m Unique
Take A Look
My Learning Style
Be A Critical Thinker
Be A Creative Thinker
Mix And Match
A Toolkit For Thinkers
Have A Brainstorm
Thinking Together
Mind Maps
Reframe It
Step Back
The Five Whys
Draw It
Venn It
Smart Steps To Problem Solving

Unit 4: Procrastination And Persistence
When’s Later
I Want To, But…
Consequences
Pros And Cons
Reward Yourself For The Right Activities
The Swish
Prepare Your Mind
Prepare Your Body
Stay Calm
Think Positively
Perseverance
Keep A Log
Log

Unit 5: Time Management
Time
What’s Important
I’ll Do It Later
Take The Main Road
Goals
A Balanced Life
Time Log
Be On Time
On Time
Cards

Unit 6: Personal Organisation
Are You A Clutterbug?
Organise Your Workspace
Tools Of The Trade
Homework Habits

About the Authors

Margaret Sutherland PhD was head of special needs at an 11-16 comprehensive school and has a research background in psychology. Over the years, she has acquired extensive practical experience in counselling young people and of using procedures such as cognitive therapy and neuro-linguistic programming.

Colin Sutherland PhD was a principal lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire. For the last 10 years, he has worked as a psychotherapist using techniques of counselling, cognitive therapy, hypnosis and neuro-linguistic programming. This is their second jointly written book for schools and colleges, the first being The Behaviour Management Toolkit.