Learning to Learn

In addition to directly targeted programs that teach students their own best learning strategies, a broad array of proven learning techniques are presented in workshop format to help our students achieve an excellent learning performance for the rest of their lives.

The Learning to Learn Workshop (4 participants) is a unique program exclusive to the Vancouver Learning Centre (VLC). It is important to teach students what they need to learn, but it is even more important to teach students how to learn.  That is why we created this program: to empower students and provide them with both the awareness and the tools to facilitate their own learning.  This program is sometimes incorporated into the VLC individualized programs or it may be chosen in workshop format of 2-4 hours. These workshops include eleven core topics:

• Getting motivated
• Training your brain
• Studying in style
• Managing your time
• Eating and sleeping – your brain depends on it
• Stress management
• Designing a study centre
• Using classroom success strategies
• Perfecting world class study skills
• Becoming a test master
• Boosting your brain power.

Topics are not necessarily taught in a specific order and time on topics is according to need.  Learning to learn is centred on fun and creative activities with lots of take home worksheets for reminders and later use. Students love it!

Included in the Learning to Learn program are several specific techniques or approaches to learning developed by internationally recognized experts in their fields.  In particular we have found the following techniques to be especially beneficial to our students and many are incorporated directly into the individualized targeted program.

 Mind Mapping

This is a thinking, planning study tool that creates a visual display of the content material under consideration.  At the Vancouver Learning Centre we use the method developed by Tony Buzan

• To enhance memory (especially for visual learners)
• To make the understanding of difficult concepts easier by creating a visual display
• To improve the planning of written work such as essays and responses to questions
• To allow for the systematic understanding of complex procedures in Math and Science
• As an important study tool for exams
• As a wonderful tool for creative problem solving, and planning.

References:  Tony Buzan, The Mind Map Book, Mind Maps for Kids: An Introduction, Mind Maps for Kids: Rev Up for Revision, Mind Maps for Kids:  Max Your Memory and Concentration.  (see www.buzanworld.com)

Monart

This is a drawing technique used to enhance visual attention to detail, developed by Mona Brookes.  This technique provides confidence in drawing and improves all skills that require focus on visual detail, such as spelling.  It is a fun technique and a great confidence-builder in all areas.

References:  Mona Brookes, Drawing with Children and Drawing with Teenagers and Adult Beginners. (see www.monart.com)

Language Box Techniques

These procedures emerge from a program created by Dr. Geraldine Schwartz to enhance precise learning of word meaning.  They include:

• Word Harvest – collection and study of unfamiliar vocabulary embedded in the content materials
• Word Book/Bank – a technique for collecting and learning to use new vocabulary
• Dot technique – a method to identify words where knowing the word meaning illuminates the meaning of the content being studied.
• Colour Coding for Spelling – a method created by Dr. Geraldine Schwartz to use a focused visual processing procedure to learn correct spelling

World View

This is a procedure for learning about the history, geography and science that underlies successful performance in Social Studies and Science, or that takes the place of these subjects in specially designed programs for youth and young adults.  We created this program because we find that many of our students have a very limited understanding of what is going on in the larger world around them.  They need to learn to see the big picture and develop an appreciation for the whole story about the world in which they live.

Effective Listening Training

This is a program used to develop auditory processing of information presented orally.  This procedure is especially important for students with learning disabilities centred in the auditory modality function.  It teaches them to focus, pay attention and improve their memory.

Olympian Thinking

This is a goal setting and motivation program created by Olympian Marilyn King and used by athletes to enhance peak performance.  At the Vancouver Learning Centre this is used to enhance academic performance and to inspire students to set goals, visualize success and achieve their personal best (see www.waybeyondsports.com/marilyn_king.html.) 

Coaching

We have been using a coaching model at the Vancouver Learning Centre for a number of years and we have numerous success stories. Coaching at the VLC uses the coactive coaching model which focuses on the students’ needs to listen, set goals, work hard, and celebrate.  They are encouraged, inspired and motivated. They are challenged to define their values, explore their character, set goals and action plans, do their work with guidance and positive feedback, and achieve exactly what it is they want. Our coaching program consists of regular, consistent conversations which focus on the student’s strengths and build up his/her weaknesses. Sessions vary in terms of topics and time. These sessions are suitable for students of all ages and specifically those who are needing direction and accountability and seeking change.

In addition, when appropriate these programs include dialogue about ethical values and right action. Programs like the United Nations’ “Living Values” series is used to introduce these concepts (see www.livingvalues.net).