Attitudes to Learning

In 1998 when the Campaign for Learning began we commissioned an Ipsos MORI Poll to determine the country's attitudes to learning. Ten years on we have repeated the survey. The survey was split into two sections 11-16 year olds and post 16s. The full findings from both surveys will be launched later this year, but as a little taster below we have some of the top line findings from the 11 - 16 year olds.

Learning Preferences
Similar to previous years' findings, just under half of students said they find learning at school at least fairly enjoyable (47%). When asked how they liked to learn, students said by doing practical things (56%), by working with friends (53%) and by working in groups (49%). Though working in groups has been a popular choice throughout the last decade (55%, 55% and 52% in 2007, 2004 and 1998 respectively), doing practical things has increased in popularity quite significantly since 2007, when it was chosen just 39% of the time. These results suggest that students prefer to learn through more interactive activities; indeed, learning alone, reading books, and in silence were all unpopular choices (12%, 7% and 5% respectively). In fact, learning alone has become increasingly less popular over the last decade, dropping from 21% in 1998.

Learning Environments
When asked which people helped them to learn most, students mentioned their mother (72%), their teachers (61%) and their father (55%) most often. The proportion of pupils mentioning either of their parents remains similar to previous years, however the percentage of students naming their teacher has risen from an unusually low proportion of 44% in 2007.

To examine the results of the 11-16 year old survey further our national Learning to Learn conference will be debating the policy and practice implications for secondary school aged learners. How have attitudes changed? Will raising the learning leaving age really increase participation? Will the revised curriculum make learning more enjoyable? Have we made a difference? What do we need to do so that a survey in 2015 shows a culture of learning to learn in schools?

2015: Creating a Culture for Learning to Learn. Speakers at this event will include Professor Stephen Heppell, and Dr Kate Wall of the University of Newcastle. For further information about the vent please contact Karla on 020 7766 0010 or email kmclaren@cflearning.org.uk

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