Elevating Student Success Through Accelerated Learning Strategies
Acquire insights into how accelerated learning techniques can enhance student outcomes in out-of-school time programs. Explore the impact of high-quality OST initiatives, and discover the benefits of integrating learning practices seamlessly between in-school and out-of-school settings. Uncover effective strategies and resources to accelerate learning experiences and drive student achievement further.
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Accelerate Learning to Elevate Students in Out of School Time (OST) Sylvia E. Lyles, Ph.D. Chief, Partnerships & Grants
Higher intelligence is not necessarily something youre born with or genetically predisposed toward. In fact, most instances of above-the-ordinary intelligences are usually acquired thru superior learning techniques ... reading about the greatest minds in history, including recent history, more often than not reveals the individuals concerned (or people close to them) employed specific learning methods. James Morcan (Australian-born actor, writer, producer, etc.)
REACH Accelerated Learning Academy William Penn School District 2021 Pennsylvania, PA Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lh2TYdYXuKU
First-things-First Why OST Programs? GOA Research shows that high quality OST programs lead to increased attendance, behavior and improved academic outcomes; that is, students participating in a high-quality OST program went to school more, behaved better, received better grades and did better on tests. (Afterschool Alliance, 2020, 2021, 2022) Children spend an average of 80% of their days out of school, leading to state policymakers providing more funds to expand learning opportunities beyond regular school hours. (National Conference of State Legislators, 2022) OST programs have the potential to reduce inequalities in students opportunities and experiences. (Afterschool Alliance, 2023; Wallace Research Brief, 2020) Public support for investment of funds in OST programs has consistently increased over the years, with 83% of those surveyed opposed cutting public funding for the programs. (Quinnipiac University, 2021) High-quality OST programs accelerate student achievement. (A Case Study of Akron s [Ohio] Pioneering School-community Initiatives, 2009)
Todays Goals Agree on a shared definition of accelerated learning and instruction Acknowledge and celebrate accelerated learning practices and strategies that we already use in OST programs Examine and consider available strategies, practices, and tools (free) for use in your programs to acceleration learning and instruction Share great ideas and resources Go forth, continue to do great things!
Akron [Ohio] OST is not a separate program. Everything is one what we do in the school day and what happens out of school. They are the same. (A Case Study of Akron s [Ohio] Pioneering School-Community Initiatives, 2009)
Accelerated Learning Based on the work of Georgi Lozanov, a Bulgarian medical doctor and Professor of Psychiatry. Definition: Accelerated learning refers to a set of educational techniques and approaches designed to enhance the learning process and help students acquire knowledge and skills more efficiently and effectively. The goal of accelerated learning is to optimize the learning experience by incorporating various methods such as interactive activities, visualization, multimedia, and other innovative strategies engage learners and facilitate quicker retention of information emphasize a learner-centered, holistic perspective that focuses on individual learning styles and preferences to promote a more immersive and engaging educational environment Remediation means teaching again, having the teacher focus on content that students did not learn previously Accelerated learning strategically prepares students for success in current grade-level content; it readies students for new learning.
Removing Myths There are myths about learning that must be examined for accelerated learning to be implemented successfully We use less than 10% of our brain power We are visual, auditory, or kinesthetic (hands-on) learners The left brain is used to power logic and the right brain powers creativity Mozart makes you smarter We have multiple intelligences (vs. undeveloped potential)
Accelerated Learning Model From: https://thepeakperformancecenter.com/educational- learning/learning/theories/accelerated- learning/principles-of-accelerated-learning/principles-of- accelerated-learning-2/
Accelerated Learning Engages both the mind and body Involves students in content development Fosters a collaborative environment Employs multiple teaching strategies & methods Embraces differences in learning styles Includes hands-on opportunities & experiences Incorporates fun activities
Accelerated Learning IS NOT speeding up (teachers should spend more time on priority units, not less) cramming two years of instruction into one a one-size-fits-all approach with identical schedules information regurgitation or vocabulary memorization spending time remediating large chunks of content from prior grades a drill and kill approach to developing skills labeling students into fixed groups based on catching up gaps holding low expectations for students reducing the rigor of grade-level content
Accelerated learning IS deeper learning through complex and meaningful problems and projects grade-level content, with support high-level skills and content and creating teaching and learning pathways most efficient and effective ways to help students experience grade-level learning based on where they are today access to grade-level content despite the absence of some knowledge and skills from previous grades most crucial knowledge and skills that students need and integrating those into lessons a long-range plan, building on a foundation of assets, not deficiencies all students can learn literally anything with the right instruction and support scaffolding up, not down (Carnegie Learning, Inc., 2021)
Accelerated Learning Techniques in OST Interactive activities, group discussions, and hands-on projects to make learning more engaging Educational games that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving High intense/high dosage tutoring Visuals, auditory elements, and tactile experiences Students choose from various learning activities. Academic content presented in real-life scenarios to make learning more meaningful. Field trips or invite guest speakers to connect classroom concepts with practical experiences. Short breaks during study sessions to help maintain focus and prevent mental fatigue. Physical activities or mindfulness exercises to refresh students' minds.
Accelerated Learning Techniques in OST (cont d) Educational technology applications, online platforms, and digital resources to make learning more interactive and dynamic Multimedia resources such as videos, interactive presentations, and online simulations. Professional development is provided to support implementation and continuous improvement. Collaborative environment where students can work together on projects or problem-solving activities. Peer teaching and mentoring to reinforce understanding. Project-based learning where students work on extended projects that integrate multiple subjects. Constructive feedback provided to students' work to guide their learning process. Students self-reflection and goal-setting to promote metacognition. Flexibility in the curriculum to accommodate individual interests and passions. Student choices in assignments or topics to promote autonomy and motivation. Regular assessment and feedback mechanisms that helps adjust and refine implementation of accelerated learning techniques.
Group Discussion Leading questions How is your OST programs using accelerated learning strategy today? Are OST programs already positioned to implement accelerated learning? If yes, how? How can your OST programs enhance its current programming around accelerated learning? Report out: What strategy or practice will you implement when you return to your OST program to implement (or enhance) your accelerated learning strategy?
Resources for Implementing Accelerated Learning Accelerating Learning in Math: A Guide to Accelerating Learning and Planning Just-in-Time Supports, Teaching Lab, 2021 Addressing Unfinished Learning Toolkit, Instruction Partners, 2021 Assess and Address Gaps in Student Learning, The Learning Professional, Learning Forward, August 2020 The Elements: Transforming Teaching through Curriculum-Based Professional Learning, Jim Short and Stephanie Hirsh, Carnegie Corporation of New York, November 19, 2020 Family Guides to Support Learning, Seek Common Ground and Student Achievement Partners, 2021 Fundamental 4: Pandemic Learning Reveals the Value of High-Quality Instructional Materials to Educator-Family-Student Partnerships, Elizabeth Chu, Andrea Clay, Grace McCarty, Columbia Law School Center for Public Research and Leadership, July 2021 "How We Can Equitably Reopen Schools," Teaching Lab, 2021 Professional Learning Partner Guide, Rivet Education, 2021
Beyond School Hours Conference February 14-17,2024
Thank You! Sylvia E. Lyles 215-219-4930 Email: slyles@foundationsinc.org