Models for Learning
Models for learning are tools that help to provide a visual representation of methodologies and processes that build understanding. Whilst learning exists as an inherent part of our lives, a deliberate approach to develop this understanding further provides an essential framework for leveraging the learning in a context that is most applicable to you. Each model allows the opportunity to dive in deeper or simply provide an effective productivity measure that aligns to progression of understanding. These models operate in cycles that reinforce and expand both skills and knowledge to help maximise your capacity and future potential.
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Visual Learning Model Gallery
Models for Learning
The Model of Learning is designed to allow an in-depth examination of key components of the learning cycle. By equipping ourselves with understanding of these key components, we are better able to understand processes for developing knowledge and the application of skills into our chosen endeavour. As part of this process, we also take the step of determining success against correct criteria that are applicable and relevant to our situation. A deliberate approach is essential to appropriately leveraging the learning at the core of all you do.
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Understand Choice: Understanding choice is more than presenting yourself with options. This is where you develop an understanding of the way in which choice operates through an examination of the process. This can include the determination of the type of choice you are to make in a one off, longitudinal, or layered approach. Leveraging choice can help to minimise cognitive load and allow the appropriate allocation of resources and energy that align with your situation. Self and situational awareness are key components of this, particularly when seeking alignment and we can maximise the outcomes through this evaluative process.
Make Decisions: This can be described most simply as the deliberate action that we take that adds value and emphasis to the application of knowledge and skills. The deliberate action can take many forms, however must have the weight of an implication to properly categorise this. Progress or an outcome can have a positive or negative benefit in this process and is essential at the core of learning. Evaluation of deliberate decision making will be based both on the ability to adapt accordingly in the situation, as well as the appropriateness of each decision in relation to its intention. ​
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Determine Success: This is essential to ensure that we properly understand the parameters that we are intending to work towards and set the correct measures of this in place. We can be deliberate in understanding our true intentions in this aspect through the evaluative process. This also includes our ability to determine if we have clear and appropriate understanding to properly evaluate our outcomes. Often comparative measures are ineffective at building a true understanding of learning and must also take self and situational components into consideration.
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A key point: It is important that we don't bypass the action prior to reflection. An evaluation of options is different to a reflection of action and shouldn't be confused as such. Aim to promote action in the cycle each time as this provides the most measurable component in your learning. To delve deeper into each of these areas, click on the button below for a free membership. ​
The OAR Approach is designed to be a simple and rapid application tool that can be used in a range of situations. It is a logical process and more importantly it contains a logical order that can be followed to progress both application and understanding of learning. Designed as a cycle, each iteration of the model will allow you to track progress and ensure that elements of productivity within the learning process are applied. Below are a number of key components and it is not required that all are completed to be able to progress this cycle. Each is designed to help make The OAR Approach applicable to your circumstances.
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Options: This is always our starting point where we consider a range of factors to determine our next step. These can be summarised in four approaches for informing ourselves in this process. Our Current Knowledge And Skills provide the starting place for us to consider our options and whether these are appropriate to the situation. Independent Research And Exploration is a logical step in this process to expand our understanding of appropriate options and to see if there are any elements that we haven't considered. Seeking External Guidance is entirely useful when we recognise a gap in our knowledge or skills, and more importantly where others have greater experience that we can draw on to optimise our options. Finally, Imagination should always be included in this process. Taking time to consider "what isn't" allows us to expand from a conventional approach to new potential approaches that provide a better alignment.
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Action: The single most important part of the process. An action is a decision that commits to progress and provides a step forward towards an intended outcome. There are four approaches that can be considered in assisting this key component. Decision Making is the act of putting a preferential option into action. This is more than selection and requires a commitment towards progressing the cycle forward. When making this decision, there is usually an element of risk that is present in this. Value Attachment denotes that we are progressing this action through the commitment of time, resources, and progression itself. A Minimum Viable Action also becomes a part of this consideration to ensure you get started. An action can be broken down into smaller parts where it is recognised that the likelihood of completion is diminished due to the scale of this. This then leaves Execution And Adjustment as the ability to complete the action with the allowance for adjustments that better align to the situation once you are in progress. Being able to pivot in this process comes with experience and should be noted as an acceptable part of this without having to restart the cycle.
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Reflect: An evaluation of our action will allow us to better inform the options that we present to ourselves as this cycle repeats. The key part of this is to match an aspect of reflection that provides an opportunity to leverage the learning from the action that we have completed. The best place to start is through a Comparison Of Intention where you can examine how closely the outcome has aligned with the intention of the option selected. Self Reflection And Evaluation provides an internal focus to understand how elements of knowledge and skills have been utilised in this. It also allows the examination of emotion in this process as a guide to how you feel about the outcome. This can be used in both a logical and subjective manner. To balance this aspect, we can Seek External Acknowledgement to gain another perspective on this. This is useful where the external party has experience or an understanding of the process. Finally, it is important that we Consolidate our reflection to inform our options moving forward. This allows the cycle to be completed and ready for the next iteration. ​​​​
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A key point: It is important that we don't bypass the action prior to reflection. An evaluation of options is different to a reflection of action and shouldn't be confused as such. Aim to promote action in the cycle each time as this provides the most measurable component in your learning. ​
AIM is a reminder of the importance of ensuring an action proceeds inspiration and motivation. There will be times where we do feel inspired or motivated to act, however the key part of this equation is the decision that we make and adhere to in this process. Whilst there will be times where we find that inspiration strikes, or motivation powers us through it is usually when action has been taken. And without action, we aren't going anywhere. ​
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Action is a practical application of a knowledge or skill into a tangible format that we can measure our progress with. By starting with an action, we are taking the first step to building momentum through movement. We can consider the example of a slinky at the top of the stairs. It requires that first step to put it into motion, and from there we see if build in speed as it navigates its way down. The action is the first push that we need to get us heading in the right direction.
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Inspiration is the direction in which we are heading. Whilst it seems like this should be the first step, we often find that waiting for inspiration does not provide us with the appropriate feedback to begin our journey. Instead, once we start to gain traction we find that this provides us with the marker to move towards.
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Motivation is the ongoing act that comes once progress has been made. This can be described as traction, the willingness to persevere and see through our commitment. Motivation tends to show its head once we have made progress, we can track our results, and can visualise what the end goal will look like in an informed way.
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A key point: Whilst these might occur in any order, it is important to embrace action at the heart of this concept. It's great to be inspired, and/or motivated but without action these will be quickly fall away and lose their footing. Prioritise an action in all instances as small as it might be, it will provide that initial kick to help you on your way.