This workshop is designed to support learners to adopt effective learning strategies in difficult situations.   

Many learners become overwhelmed when faced with complex or uncertain learning situations. Rather than taking steps to get started, they freeze, procrastinate, or avoid the task. This leads to stress, anxiety, lack of progress, and interferes with the learning process. In short, learners struggle to know what to do, when they don’t know what to do. 

In this workshop we will discuss strategies educators can integrate into their teaching practice that will lead to improved independent learner behaviours. The content includes strategies to identify task goals, make sense of problems and situations, plan a way forward, and - hardest of all - to make a start.

Workshop level 

This is a Level 1 (introductory) workshop. No prior knowledge is required.  

Who is this workshop for? 

This workshop is for anyone working in education with an interest in supporting learners to succeed.

Topics covered

• The connection between problem-solving, learning, and learner agency. 
• What can go wrong when learners face uncertain learning or problem-solving situations. 
• Strategies that can be applied to learning and problem-solving situations. 

Learning outcomes 

By the end of this workshop you will be able to: 

• explain the connection between problem-solving behaviours and effective learning 
• describe why learners struggle, and what strategies can help 
• integrate strategies into teaching practice that support effective problem-solving and successful learning outcomes. 

Facilitator

Dr Damon Whitten – a specialist provider of professional development to the tertiary sector, with a background in adult literacy and numeracy.

Free self-directed content 

In addition to the live workshop, participants will have access to self-directed content available through the Ako Aotearoa Developing Learner Agency Educator Pathway on Pathways Awarua. This complementary content will allow you to explore the topic in greater depth at your own pace and in your own time, reinforcing the practical skills and knowledge gained during the workshop.  

Ako Aotearoa badges

Participants can earn an Ako Aotearoa digital badge as evidence of participation and completion of workshop requirements.

Please read these Terms and Conditions before registering for events.