• different methods are appropriate for different areas of knowledge

• students have different learning preferences i.e. some are more visual learners, some like working in groups, some prefer the written word etc

• a monotonous diet of the same teaching style will cause even the most keen student to lost interest

The need for variety is confirmed by OFSTED, the students themselves and our own experience as learners.  As a Network providing INSET we observe teachers in the role of student.  They are eventually 'switched off' by a whole day of didactic input, however well it is presented but respond well to a variety of input, discussion and activities.

In addition students value contact with the teacher and small group tutoring is one of the most practical ways of enabling all students to have regular access to the teacher.

Effective learning activities are those that require students to process information rather than transfer information or answer questions without understanding.

Finally, helping students to develop learning skills and learn how to access resources and use the learning resource centre/library are vital to life-long learning.

We would recommend the following books for further reading:

Lessons are for Learning            Raising Achievement
by Mike Hughes £11.95 from              by Rob Powell £10 from
Network Press  01785 225515           Matrix 01565 650045

Effective Learning Activities   Closing the Learning Gap
by Chris Dickinson £8.95                    by Mike Hughes
Network Press 01785 225515             Network Press 01785 225515