Understanding and enriching young people's learning: issues, complexities and challenges®

Abstract

Within the context of national debate about the motivation of young people in Year 8 and the effects of the key stage three strategy, this article examines young people's views of learning and their understanding of what helps them learn. The research method draws on the concept of Appreciative Inquiry to examine young people's experiences. The findings, based on interviews with 58 young people in four schools, indicate a range of views. Three models of learning emerge and are used to examine young people's views of learning and what supports their learning. Young people provide examples of effective learning including activity in learning, learner responsibility and collaboration. Young people express a wish that their classroom experiences would include more of these elements. In all four schools, however, there does not seem to be any time for talk about learning. Implications for schools are discussed: first, in providing more effective learning experiences for young people; second, in the value of talking with young people about their learning.