Author Rachael Harris discusses her latest book, Activities for Developing Learning Strategies, and how her experience teaching teens and young learners inspired her to focus on inclusive practices and the importance of strategies to boost students' performance. The conversation explores examples from Rachael's book, emphasising direct and indirect learning strategies that can be applied in the classroom and beyond.

Watch with closed captions here.

TALKING POINTS

1. Inspiration Behind the Book. Rachael shares how her experience with teens and young learners inspired her to write Activities for Developing Learning Strategies.
2. Direct and Indirect Learning Strategies. Rachael outlines the two main strategies: direct strategies (like vocabulary memorisation) and indirect strategies (such as goal setting and motivation). Both play a critical role in enhancing learning across different subjects.
3. Goal Setting and Quick Wins. How the “quick wins” strategy helps maintain motivation by encouraging students to complete small, easy tasks when they feel stuck or demotivated.
4. Scientific Basis for Learning. Rachael encourages her students to focus on proven methods such as spaced practice and self-testing, rather than relying on less effective techniques like re-reading and highlighting.

ABOUT

Rachael Harris has taught ELT, literature & current affairs in primary & secondary schools in Geneva for over 15 years. Up until recently, she was the joint coordinator for the IATEFL Inclusive Practices & SEN special interest group. Her latest book, Activities for Developing Learning Strategies, is a collection of tried-and-tested strategies, designed to help learners succeed in the language classroom and beyond. Check out Rachael's blog, Fab English Ideas and follow her on LinkedIn.

REFERENCES

1. Dunlosky, J. et al (2013) 'Improving Students’ Learning With Effective Learning Techniques: Promising Directions From Cognitive and Educational Psychology.' Psychological Science in the Public Interest (PSPI) Volume 15, pp. 4–58
2. Harris, R. (2023) Activities for Developing Learning Strategies. DELTA Publishing.

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CREDITS

Producer: Laura Wilkes

Editor: Haven Tsang

Thanks to our wonderful guest, Rachael Harris

Production by Communicating for Impact

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