Training Information and Guidelines
There is a lot of useful information available on training skills readily available. If you are using a search engine or database to find information you may find some of the following search terms useful:
- Learner centred
- Participatory training
- Pedagogy
- Active learning
- Facilitation
Below we have listed a few resources to get you started.
Definitions and Guidelines
Wikipedia - Learning Styles
The Wikipedia article is a good place to start learning about ‘learning styles' and to get an overview of the arguments for and against using them.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning_styles
Learning Styles and Pedagogy in Post-16 Learning: A systematic and critical review
F. Coffield, Institute of Education, University of London; D. Moseley, University of Newcastle; E. Hall, University of Newcastle; K. Ecclestone, University of Exeter
If you would like some more in depth reading about learning styles, this article is good
http://www.hull.ac.uk/php/edskas/learning%20styles.pdf (PDF 1.24MB)
The 10 Worst Teaching Mistakes
R.M. Felder, North Carolina State University and R. Brent, Education Designs, Inc.
An article outlining the 10 biggest mistakes to make in teaching. It is aimed at college lecturers but is relevant to other teachers/trainers as well.
http://www.celt.iastate.edu/teaching/ten_worst.html
How Learner Centred are You?
Namibian National Institute for Educational Development (NIED)
This guide is aimed at primary school teachers but is also useful to trainers of adults.
http://www.nied.edu.na/publications/research%20docs/How%20learner%20centred%20are%20you.pdf (PDF 215kb)
Participatory Training Methodology and Materials
Mandakini Pant
This is a useful guide from UNESCO on participatory training.
http://www.unesco.org/education/aladin/paldin/pdf/course01/unit_12.pdf (PDF 119kb)
Reading and learning around the world
Some interesting articles and opinion pieces about reading and learning in different parts of the world.
Are the Learning Styles of Asian International Students Culturally or Contextually Based?
Joseph Kee-Kuok Wong, University of South Australia
International Education Journal Vol 4, No 4, 2004, Educational Research Conference 2003 Special Issue
http://courses.essex.ac.uk/ia/ia409/selection_of_readings/Wong_Asian_Student_Learning_Styles.pdf (PDF 47.2kb)
The stereotype of rote learning in East Asian classes
Out in Left Field (blog)
http://oilf.blogspot.co.uk/2010/03/stereotype-of-rote-learning-in-east.html
Rote Memorization vs. Critical Thinking
Stefanie D., 3 Jan, 2010
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2540851/rote_memorization_vs_critical_thinking.html?cat=4
Rote learning and Asia
Through Eyes from Afar (blog)
http://througheyesfromafar.blogspot.co.uk/2009/09/rote-learning-and-asia.html
Why Are Candidates Silent About Poor Reading Culture?
Nick T. Twinamatsiko, 14 Jan, 2011
http://allafrica.com/stories/201101140038.html
What's all the brouhaha about our reading culture?
Abenea Odhiambo Ondago, 4 Dec, 2009
http://www.langaa-rpcig.net/+What-s-all-the-brouhaha-about-our+.html