“Think of Learnership in the same way you think of craftsmanship or leadership. It denotes a skillful act. As students develop their Learnership, they engage in the process of learning in increasingly effective ways.” (Anderson 2024)
In 2002, Cognitive Scientist Guy Claxton referred to dispositions as “Learning Powers”. His work highlighted the need for children “to grow up being powerful, independent learners, willing and able to pursue their dreams and tackle difficulties calmly, confidently and creatively” (Claxton). The use of language specific to dispositions in the Secondary School has been vital in ensuring we are best preparing students for their approach to learning, while at Grammar and beyond its gates. Educational research has long found that students, at times, can be stuck in a Learning Pit (Nottingham 2007)) and it is through dispositions such as curiosity and determination that they are able to climb out. Building upon the Primary School’s Learning Assets, dispositions assist students in becoming skillful learners.
Notably, educational authors such as James Anderson refers to this concept as ‘learnership’ and has created the formula – Student Achievement = Quality Teaching X Quality Learning (Anderson 2024) – to identify learning itself as a transferable skill. Recent communication highlighted that the key purpose of incorporating dispositions as part of our Visible Learning Framework is for improved student outcomes. The move away from endeavour awards and a clear focus on learning proficiencies is critical in the development of skillful and agile learners of the future. While students may take time to identify connections between dispositions and learning, in recent forums it is most clear they are becoming quite adept at articulating the meaning behind each one. Students are now just working to evaluate their own learning dispositions for strengths and areas of growth.
As we approach our Secondary Awards Evening for 2024, we reflect on the remarkable achievements of our 2023 top scholars. Let’s celebrate our 2023 top scholars and uncover the strategies they used that propelled them to success. Each student brings a unique perspective to learning and navigating challenges. By exploring their insights, we can gain valuable lessons that inspire and empower others in their own educational journeys.
Mrs Fiona Roush
Dean of Teaching
References:
Leadership – The Skill of learning (www.jamesandersoncom.au)
Guy Claxton | Learning Power Approach – (www.guyclaxton.net)
