This resource encourages you to explore the concept of ‘active learning’ in greater depth and consider how you can incorporate different pedagogy approaches to personalise the learner experience and facilitate progression.

(Learner) engagement is likely to be improved by a (curriculum) design in which learning is closely linked with everyday life. Good teaching is a critical factor: learners want structured and supported learning with a teacher in preference to 'lonely learning'. Extract from the key findings on QIA’s Persistence, progression and achievement project

Research shows that one of the most important factors supporting learner persistence is the teacher. One of the key drivers that have contributed to progression from Level 2, and the increase in Level 3 attainment in recent years, is improved teaching and learning. Successful strategies include active learning approaches, reviews and tutorials that fully engage the learner to focus on their achievements and set challenging targets. You have the opportunity to plan each stage of the learner journey and to provide experiences that motivate learners to persist, progress and succeed in their learning.

• Watch the video clips of practitioners reflecting on the value of independent learning and supporting learners to take charge of their learning. How does the role of the teacher change when learners are actively involved in planning and directing their learning? Consider the approaches that you have used with your learners to develop the skills of independent learning; how did you overcome any challenges that arose?
• Use the link here to access the video case study of Helen Owen’s approach to developing independent learners at Level 3.
• Download the Talking teaching, training and learning cards and familiarise yourself with the 10 pedagogy approaches. What approaches have the teachers in the video wall highlighted as being particularly effective in developing independent learners? Work with colleagues to identify the approaches you would use to promote and develop independent learning skills with learners at Levels 2 and 3. Would your approaches be different with adult learners?
• Work with a colleague to explore the additional toolkits and resources available on the Effective teaching and learning website. Consider how you can embed the approaches into your teaching and learning to engage and motivate learners.
• Employers across all sectors are increasingly looking for individuals who can demonstrate and apply their knowledge of enterprise, customer care and health and safety, in the workplace. Explore the Cross-curricular CPD resources for ideas and activities to embed these themes in your vocational area. Consider how you could incorporate some of the learning points into your induction programme. You may also find the CPD builder, Embedding cross-curricular themes useful.
• Work with a colleague or Mathematics specialist to explore the Learning Mathematics in context resource which provides a number of approaches that you can adopt to help your learners develop the mathematical skills they need to be successful in their learning programmes and in the workplace. Consider how you can embed these approaches into your teaching and learning.

• Explore the research findings from the Persistence, progression and achievement project.
• Explore the Planning learning and the Teaching and Learning Programme model.
• Download the Focus on progression resource to explore how different pedagogy approaches can support learner progression.
• Work with a colleague to reflect on how you have used these approaches with your learners.