A leading national education charity has responded to the announcement today that an independent review found that the Government’s National Literacy Strategy has failed to improve reading standards with a call on the Government to look more closely at ‘Learning to Learn’ practices to improve school standards in all subjects.
Joint Chief Executive, Tricia Hartley, said, “While some advances have been made in raising literacy and numeracy standards in school children, we are not completely surprised by these latest negative findings about the National Literacy Strategy. The current strategy has had the unintended negative result of teachers focusing on learning to pass tests, which narrows curriculum content. This can hinder pupils’ ability to retain knowledge and develop skills in the future, an opinion already being expressed by some teachers. Now that concerns about the present literacy strategy have been highlighted, the Campaign believes it is the perfect time for the Government to implement more teaching practices that help pupils understand how they learn best and develop the skills to learn effectively whatever subject they are studying. Evidence from our Learning to Learn in Schools research project has shown that the more teachers can bring creativity, flexibility and enjoyment into the classroom the better pupils perform and the more motivated teaching staff are. The Gilbert Review has identified the crucial importance of personalised learning and we need to build on this through Learning to Learn ”
The Campaign has been researching learning to learn for 7 years. Through teaching learners how they learn best, involving them in the process, and creating a language for learning, learners develop increased motivation and positive attitudes towards learning. All the schools involved in the research have noted a resultant improvement in standards. Alongside these improvements for learners there have been benefits for teachers in terms of professional development and ability to manage change effectively.
Notes to editor:
- For more information about the learning to Learn' in schools project or to set up an interview with any campaign for learning spokesperson orLearning to Learn teacherplease contact Louise Dennis on 020 7766 0003 (07976 175 978 out of office hours) or e-mail this address.
- The Campaign for Learning's Learning to Learn in Schools Project aims to understand how we can help pupils learn most effectively and so give each one the best chance to achieve his or her full potential. It investigates a range of interventions aimed at recognising and supporting pupils' different learning styles and making the learning process more explicit to develop independent learning skills and boost motivation.
- The Campaign for Learning is a lifelong learning charity, supported by both public and private sectors. The Campaign is working for a society where everyone has the right to learn, everyone understands and values learning and everyone has the chance to learn throughout their lives. We aim to stimulate learning that will sustain people for life. http://www.campaignforlearning.org.uk/