Approach to Learning/Learning how to Learn

"Learning how to learn" refers to acquiring knowledge and skills to enhance one's ability to learn more efficiently and effectively. It is a collection of skills, strategies and techniques that help learners to understand better and retain new information.

The concept of learning how to learn is rooted in the field of educational psychology, which studies how people learn and develop. The goal of learning how to learn is to help learners become more self-directed, motivated and effective in their learning process.

Learning how to learn can include a range of specific topics, such as:

• Memory techniques and strategies for retaining information

• Note-taking methods and organisational skills

• Time management and planning strategies

• Developing effective study habits

• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills

• Test-taking and exam-preparation strategies

• Self-reflection and self-assessment techniques

The International Baccalaureate (IB) programme's 'Approaches to Learning' (ATL) is a framework designed to help students develop the necessary skills and strategies to become effective learners. The ATL framework is a set of interconnected skills that are used across all subject areas and is designed to support students in becoming independent, critical and reflective learners.

The ATL framework consists of five categories:

Thinking skills: related to critical thinking, analysis, evaluation and problem-solving.

Social skills: related to communication, collaboration and teamwork.

Communication skills: related to expressing ideas and information effectively through various forms of communication, including written, spoken and visual communication.

Self-management skills: related to organisation, time management, goal setting and self-reflection.

Research skills: related to planning, conducting and evaluating research, including gathering and analysing information from a variety of sources.

The ATL framework is designed to help students develop these skills throughout their education and to help them become lifelong learners who are equipped to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

The ATL Website can be accessed on this link.