November 2019 - The Science of Learning (2019) Busch, B and Watson E.

​Aimed at schools this recently published David Fullan book is potentially a great resource as part of a collective pedagogical approach to learning for Colleges too.  This easy to digest book provides a research base behind tried and tested pedagogical tools and techniques. I love the concept of ‘academic buoyancy’ #37, new for me. The 5 competencies of ‘academic buoyancy’ take building resilience a step further; by simultaneously targeting confidence, co-ordination, commitment, composure & control. Research on this approach is in its infancy, but it appears to offer a great base for tutorials and the work of learning coaches.  

The book is a useful tool to explore pedagogical approaches with teaching teams and learners alike. A great tool when understanding how each learner learns best and then how they can also learn in groups or teams. Getting everyone on the same ‘learning page’ understanding how and why teachers & trainers use different pedagogical approaches in facilitate learning at the start of the learning journey is a great way to support learning. For me agreeing which pedagogical approaches are being used for which parts of the curriculum helps in developing independent thinking, is motivational, enhances problem solving and develops leadership skills.  
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The three chapters of interest we picked at Yellow Goose are below, have a read and see which bits interest you, your colleagues and your students. It is well worth a read and worth sharing with students and teaching teams if your aim is to have learners all going in the same direction with you as partners in learning.
 
#4 Spacing your Learning
The study states that if teachers space out the material that they teach and are revisiting it on a regular basis that this approach helps students improve their long-term memory. This repetition is what enables students to commit the subject material into their long memory. Great for both exams and skill development
 
#9 Teachers Expectations
This study talks about the criticality of the expectations of teachers towards students. Have low expectations of students and they have nothing to rise towards. Where teachers have high expectations, they must then provide the appropriate support and challenge to enable students to achieve or exceed those expectations. Having high expectations will increase the student’s standards of work and self-belief.
 
#Chapter 29 Sleep
Sleep is of paramount importance to students being and staying well and able to recall what they have learnt and been taught previously. Sleep is in my top ten for successful learning, giving the   mind & body enough rest to meet learning challenges is crucial.
 
There’s lots more to explore in this pedagogy gem.