Facilitating Effective Sixth Form Independent Learning

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew K. Shenton

For young people who have opted to continue their education post-sixteen, it is difficult to overstate the importance of the independent learning which takes place in the Sixth Form. Typically, the balance between classroom teaching and private study shifts dramatically at this point and individuals who intend to go on to university find themselves having to put in place strategies that will stand them in good stead for the next stage of their academic lives, in addition to serving their current needs.<br><br><i>Facilitating Effective Sixth Form Independent Learning</i> is a comprehensive guide for educators looking to support independent learning in the Sixth Form. It takes the reader on a step-by-step journey showing how an appropriate teaching programme may be set up and offers proven tools and strategies that can be adopted in the classroom. The book advises on how a worthwhile research question may be formulated and establishes the importance of teaching unifying methodologies, in addition to individual techniques, before various means of finding information are identified. It develops an approach to help students think systematically about the available options and considers methods for evaluating information and managing time. The book then addresses the construction of essays and reports and then guides readers through understanding and implementing the Information/Writing Interaction Model (IWIM). Further coverage includes strategies for countering plagiarism and numerous suggestions for promoting student reflection.<br><br>Rigorous yet accessible and featuring numerous practical examples, <i>Facilitating Effective Sixth Form Independent Learning</i> is an essential resource for educators working in a world where developing independent learning skills is not an option, but essential.

Author(s):  
Anthony Mark Monaghan ◽  
Jake Hudson ◽  
Arion Romanos Alexopoulos

Abstract ‘Flipped learning’ has become increasingly popular in medical education as a means of developing independent learning skills in students. The article by Zheng at al. (2020) highlights the potential utility of this approach in disaster triage training. However, the article also highlights to us some concerns regarding how ‘flipped learning’ may favour certain learners over others in the provision of disaster triage education. Specifically, the article demonstrates the necessity for increased pre-classroom preparation when a ‘flipped classroom’ model is employed which inevitably privileges those with a higher ability to engage with self-directed learning. Whilst such a skill is important to develop in medical education, we fear it may lead to polarised student attainment rather than ensuring a maximum number of students achieve the requisite standard required. More research is consequently needed to inform the most efficacious means of facilitating disaster triage training that supports all students sufficiently whilst also helping to nurture their independent learning skills.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 51
Author(s):  
Concilianus Laos Mbato

Cultural barriers, anxiety and lack of English competence may lead to EFL students’ failures in public peaking. Conducive learning environments, right coaching and learning strategies are likely to increase the possibility of students’ success. This research aimed to investigate whether the implementation of multiple learning strategies empowered Indonesian EFL students’ public speaking skills. 56 students enrolled in three public speaking classes of Sanata Dharma University, Yogyakarta in the academic year 2017-2018 participated in the research. One overriding research question was postulated, i.e., to what extent does the implementation of multiple learning strategies empower students’ public speaking skills? To answer the question, classroom mixed-methods research was employed where students filled out four different questionnaires and submitted focus group discussion (FGD) results at the end of the semester. Quantitative and qualitative data analyses indicated that students had very high perceptions about the use of and the combinations of reflections, peer-, teacher-, and self-assessments, independent learning plans and activities. They believed that multiple learning strategies implemented in the Public Speaking Class enabled them to be independent, responsible, and better learners. They also acknowledged becoming more confident and better public speakers. This study contributes to the body of knowledge in public speaking in two important ways. First, learning to speak in public for non-native speakers of English should begin with raising their awareness about cultural barriers that might inhibit the development of the necessary skills in public speaking. Second, teaching public speaking to EFL students requires the adoption of multiple learning strategies including strategies to confront imminent cultural barriers. This research, therefore, urges public speaking trainers and teachers in EFL settings to include intercultural understanding and multiple learning strategies in their public speaking classes in order to empower students’ public speaking skills


2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (3-1) ◽  
pp. 189-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Moro Visconti ◽  
Giuseppe Montesi ◽  
Giovanni Papiro

The research question of this paper is concerned with the investigation of the links between Internet of Things and related big data as input parameters for stochastic estimates in business planning and corporate evaluation analytics. Financial forecasts and company appraisals represent a core corporate ownership and control issue, impacting on stakeholder remuneration, information asymmetries, and other aspects. Optimal business planning and related corporate evaluations derive from an equilibrated mix of top-down and bottom-up approaches. While the former follows a traditional dirigistic methodology where companies set up their strategic goals, the latter are grass-rooted with big data-driven timely evidence. Real options can be embedded in big data-driven forecasting to make expected cash flows more flexible and resilient, improving Value for Money of the investment and reducing its risk profile. More accurate and timely big data-driven predictions reduce uncertainties and information asymmetries, making risk management easier and decreasing the cost of capital. Whereas stochastic modeling is traditionally used for budgeting and business planning, this probabilistic process is seldom nurtured by big data that can refresh forecasts in real time, improving their predictive ability. Combination of big data and stochastic estimates for corporate appraisal and governance issues represents a methodological innovation that goes beyond the traditional literature and practice.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 111-116
Author(s):  
Amarpreet Atwal ◽  
Philip E Benson

Data from clinical trials involving human participants are essential in establishing an evidence base about the safety and effectiveness of our treatments. This first article describes the steps involved in designing and setting up a clinical trial, from establishing the research question(s) to searching the literature. Acquiring some knowledge about how to set up a clinical trial will allow the conscientious clinician to use the most relevant information to provide the highest possible standards of clinical care for his/her patients. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Even if a clinician is not, has never been, nor is ever planning to be involved in research, he/she should understand and be able to interpret the data from clinical trials.


1996 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
pp. 421-431

Frank Ewart Smith was born on 31 May 1897 at Loughton in Essex, where his father was a pharmaceutical chemist and optician, but shortly afterwards the family moved to Hastings. He was educated privately until he went to Uckfield Grammar School in 1906. At twelve, he won an open scholarship to Christ’s Hospital and entered the ‘Classical Side’ because the ‘Modern Side’ did not sit for University Scholarships. He studied French, Latin and Greek in addition to chemistry and physics until he reached the sixth form when he became a ‘Science Grecian’. He always spoke very highly of the science masters who taught by the Heuristic System set up by Professor H.E. Armstrong, F.R.S., who was a Governor of the School. Pupils were trained to find out for themselves and Smith followed this philosophy throughout his life. In 1915 he won a scholarship in maths, physics and chemistry to Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, and left school in 1916 to join the Royal Horse Artillery as an officer cadet. When commissioned, he was transferred to a Heavy Battery of the Royal Garrison Artillery (horsedrawn ‘60 pounders’). He served at the battle of Messines and the third battle of Ypres, being Mentioned in Despatches. He then became the Assistant Adjutant of the 48th Brigade Royal Garrison Artillery until he went up to Cambridge in May 1919 to read for the Mechanical Science Tripos, gaining First Class Honours after only seven terms.


2013 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ing Liang Wong

Independent learning is a critical learning strategy in higher education, especially in the blended learning environment (BLE). This paper investigates the relevance and suitability of enhanced teaching, learning and assessment (TLA) activities within the BLE and evaluates how these can help postgraduate students to become independent learners at Glasgow Caledonian University. The existing TLA activities of Building Assessment module were reviewed, curriculum redesigned and constructively aligned to learning outcomes. An online survey was carried out to evaluate the appropriateness of TLA activities in developing students’ independent learning skills. Students’ responses on their preferences for module delivery were investigated. Success of TLA activities depends on students’ experience and their familiarity with these activities. Most students agreed that, the use of formative assessment and learning technologies in the BLE was able to develop their independent learning skills; however these activities should be designed and structured properly, with learning supports provided by tutors.


2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (8) ◽  
pp. 1621-1642 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riccardo Tiscini ◽  
Silvia Testarmata ◽  
Mirella Ciaburri ◽  
Emanuele Ferrari

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to strive to close the current research gap pertaining to potential implications of the blockchain (BC) for sustainable business models (SBMs) in the agri-food industry.Design/methodology/approachTo answer the research question, the authors utilised the Value Triangle framework by Biloslavo et al. (2018) in order to explore the potential innovation of BC for SBMs in the agri-food industry. Then, the authors apply it to an in-depth exploratory case study of the Placido Volpone winery. The authors draw data from strategic plans, annual reports, corporate website and a semi-structured interview with the winery's founder.FindingsThe authors show how BC technology could be a source of SBM innovation in the agri-food industry.Research limitations/implicationsBC technology has the potential to significantly change SBMs. Given the huge set-up investments by the industry, academic research investigating potential implications and supporting companies in their application of BC is needed. This paper explores how the implications of BC as source of innovation on SBMs can be investigated.Practical implicationsThe research results of this study can be used by company leaders and managers to support the development of SBMs through the introduction of BC technology in their business activities.Originality/valueThe paper is novel because it investigates the relationship between SBM innovation and BC providing theoretical justification to SBM technological innovation in an agri-food setting. Additionally, the paper provides an empirical application of the framework by Biloslavo et al. (2018) for understanding the development of SBM through BC in the agri-food industry.


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