"You are responsible for your own learning"

The above is possibly the best quote I have heard in a classroom......and it came from a pupil!!!

Over the last couple of weeks, we have been covering the Marketing Mix in S3 Business Management and Health, Safety & Security in S3 Administration. We took a decision that rather than be "teacher led", we would hand over responsibility to the pupils in the two classes. The S3 Business Management class were split into 4 teams and each given one element of the Marketing Mix - Product, Price, Promotion or Place. The S3 Administration class were similarly split and given either the Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992, Fire Precautions Regulations 1992, First Aid Regulations 1981 or Security. 

Each group was given the task of fully researching their area and creating a 25 minute "lesson" consisting of a presentation, questions (and answers!) for the class and some sort of related task. 

Towards the end of last week and the beginning of this week, all the groups delivered their lessons. Other than doing the register at the start of the period, I let the pupils run the entire class. The results were fantastic. I was greatly impressed with the amount of effort everyone within the group put in to their micro-lesson, from researching the task to delivering the presentation. It was also really encouraging to see the response of the pupils who were being taught - they actively paid attention throughout and were extremely patient during any times things maybe weren't going quite to plan. I was also surprised how hard the pupils are on each other, leading to the wonderful comment above. 

I have embraced this type of learning ever since coming in to the teaching profession and as someone who used to work in the recruitment sector, I believe the "soft skills" the pupils learn during this type of activity are priceless. During these types of activities, pupils need to show leadership skills, team-working, presentation skills, communication skills and creative skills - all hugely relevant in todays difficult job market. Obviously there is a need to assess the learning to ensure the activity has a value and it is essential it is combined with traditional teaching on my part but I have found it creates a really positive culture of learning within the classroom.  

You can find evidence of their presentations by clicking on the Intermediate Business Management and Intermediate Administration link on the menu.