The Personalised learning methodology is a key feature of the Transformative Learning course offered within the Leadership pathway at the Graduate School of Education within the University of Bristol. It is lead by Dr Ruth Deakin Crick, a senior research fellow and enhanced by a diverse team of researchers within the same department.
The Personalised Learning Project emphasizes the role and responsibility of the learner to the process and outcome of learning. The approach, according to Jaros and Deakin-Crick (2006) is based on context-driven inquiry where learning is done through a bottom-up archeological method. The core feature is learning how to learn through self assessment.
The journey begins with a self-diagnostic assessment of learning power (ELOISE website, 2007)). Learning power is defined as a form of consciousness characterized by particular dispositions, values and attitudes that is based on seven core dimensions that dictate one's ability to learn how to learn (Deakin-Crick, 2007). These seven dimensions are classified as meaning making, strategic awareness, resilience, creativity, critical curiosity, learner relationship and changing and learning (Deakin-Crick et al, 2004, Deakin-Crick, 2007). The result of this questionnaire is presented on a simple spider diagram where learners can evaluate their own profile and hence dictate their path based on their own assessment.
The main methodology is an eight step process where an object of personal significance to the learner, is selected, observed, described and explored through the techniques of questioning, narratives and meaning-making. It begins with the notion of personal choice as the self is paramount to the experience and 'end' with the development of knowledge through an authentic process where one enhances competence as a learner. That is, experiential knowledge is developed through a combination of subjective and objective experiences to gain practical knowledge and therefore enhance competence (Heron and Reason, 1997).
The Transformative Learning class of 2007
This class underwent the Personalised learning methodology and chose to reflect on their experience as a graded assignment. For most students, this involved two parts:
- a reflective piece about the entire process
- an outcome or 'product' based on the process.
You can see some examples that were volunteered by some of the MEd students who participated in the Personalised Learning Project within the Transformative Learning class of 2007.
A series of closed research workshops are to be held in spring 2008, on the theme of "Learning and Leadership for Social Sustainability". More...
