Session One
Date: 20th April 2010

Venue: NQ106

How do people learn and how much sitting and listening? 

The phenomenon of learning is a complex process. People can learn differently and may develop various approaches and methods as regards how they gain, process and recall information.  Learning and memorization are also explained variously by scientists and psychologists. Yet, learning discloses a multiplicity of secrets and mysteries. 

There are four known styles of learning depending on a variety of biological and environmental factors. Theses styles are: visual, auditory, kinaesthetic and read and write. People may not be able to recognize their learning styles easily and therefore they may need a little assistance in this regard. People also have different ways in gathering information and finding resources and materials.

In any class whether it is real or virtual; teachers and educators need to develop a variety of methods and strategies to enhance students’ learning. It is essential for educators and teachers to be able to recognize students' various levels of education and requirements to be able to enhance further learning.

To enhance further learning, it is important to consider the following:

·         The use of a variety of methods such as realia and visual demonstration such as videos and tapes

·         Enhancement of learning relationships with learners

·         Meaningful activities and various interactions:

o   Student-student interaction

o   Student-teacher interaction

o   Student-content interaction

·         Teachers must recognize the differences between "teaching a topic and talking about it"

How much sitting and how much talking and listening is an important issue to be considered.

In my classes I always try to enhance learning rather than talk about topics and issues that students can retrieve online easily. Students want to listen when they think that they are learning. Students do not want to listen when they lose connection with the teacher as regards to learning.

I also believe that for students to learn, they must interact with the teacher, other students and the topic itself.

In my practice I always try to:

o   Teach rather than talk and talk

o   Include meaningful activities and interactions

o   Create a positive learning environment

o   Enhance confidence and my learning relationship with learners