Mining the Materials: a Framework for Student-led Independent Learning

Donnelly, A. (2018) Mining the Materials: a Framework for Student-led Independent Learning. 11th Annual University of Glasgow Learning and Teaching Conference, Glasgow, UK, 28-29 Mar 2018.

Abstract

This talk describes an action research project around student-led task design. Students studying a course in English for Academic Study were invited to design out-of-class learning tasks for peers based on their judgement of in-class activities. Using a simple ‘traffic light’ system, learners were encouraged to rate in-class activities in terms of difficulty, usefulness and enjoyment as a starting point for the design of tasks to challenge the skills and knowledge of their peers. Learners were then encouraged to reflect on their experiences as part of a weekly reflective writing cycle using the course VLE with opportunities for both peer and teacher feedback. The project aimed to enhance students’ critical evaluation of classroom experiences and to set and track independent learning priorities across both virtual and traditional learning spaces. In this way, the project sought to enculturate students to core graduate attributes, not least collaborative and reflective learning, independence and critical thinking. Indeed, the UofG Graduate Attribute Matrix was consistently referred to throughout the project as a gauge of both task suitability and learner progress. Feedback on the framework was overwhelmingly positive and highlights the possibility to draw closer links between in-class and out-of-class learning environments.

• Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item
• Status: Published
• Refereed: No
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Donnelly, Mr Adam
• Authors: Donnelly, A.
• Subjects: L Education > L Education (General)
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Modern Languages and Cultures > Language Centre
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2018 The Author
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced with the permission of the Author

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