Intro to Learning How to Learn

Travel with us as we explore stories about

“learning how to learn.”

Stories: Adventures in Problem Solving

• Once upon a time, there were two kids, Hansel and Gretel….

Story Plot for Learning

• Somebody: Main Characters (Me)

and …..(my teacher, mentor, coach, guide collaborators)

• Wanted: Purpose/Goal/Outcome• But: Obstacles or challenges to achieving my

purpose/goal.• So: What I do/did to overcome the obstacles

and succeed at my Learning Goal?• See Learning Stories Chart

What’s the Problem?

• We’re not talking about learning the easy things, the less challenging things. If a student has no problem with learning a particular thing, then s/he doesn’t need the 7 P.O.R.T.A.L.S skills.

It is when kids are stumped, challenged, discouraged, lost…that they need some guidance. That’s when they need to create their own SWBS story about learning!

Travel Plan: Where are we going?

Themes and Skills

7 Themes

• What does it mean to learn?• What’s worth learning?• Learner Stories• How do learners learn?• How does context influence learning?• Frameworks* for Learning• Research*See www.explorience1.pbworks.com for the

Framework link/bibliography.

Travel Logs

• Stories about how students navigate 7 essential skills (P.O.R.T.A.L.S) for “learning how to learn”:

• Purpose• Operations• Remembering• Teamwork• Actions• Laying a foundation• Self-Management

Our Itinerary

We’re going to begin with Purpose, move to Self-Management, then on to Operations. You can’t get far into the Purpose territory without thinking about Laying a Foundation of concepts/ideas/information, so that’s next. You’ll need to Remember what you’ve explored so far, so we’ll make a stop there. And, of course, you’ll want to Act on the Purpose, Operations, Foundation. Last, but not least, we’ll explore ways to make learning most effective by treating it as Teamwork.

Stories from Vermont

• We invite you to follow our stories as we address each of the 7 P.O.R.T.A.L.S. skills that kids will need if they are to become successful learners when they face challenges.

• We’ll be exploring both the 7 Themes and the 7 essential skills in our blog (www.wanttolearn.edublogs.com and our wiki www.explorience1.pbworks.com or contact us via email: Toomeyand12@gmail.com

Your itineraryThink of your itinerary as originating in a hub (your context)

which allows you to take any of several routes (P.O.R.T.A.L.S.). As you reach an exit, you can get on to a circumferential highway and make your way to a different route. Or you can stay on your original route and explore that territory even further.

Once upon a time…Getting started…

What Learner Stories do your students tell about:

What it means to learn?

Their most successful learning experiences?

What they know about their own learning?