Ways we can use a learning group meeting

These are just a few ideas, based on the experience of Dr Ian Cunningham at the Self Managed Learning College in Hove, of how people have used the learning group for their own benefit. The list is not intended to be comprehensive, but is here to assist young people in thinking how they can get the most from the group.

Each group remains free to establish its own culture and develop routines for how it uses its time.

• Update the group on actions that have been taken

• Ask for information or assistance on a problem

• Explore career choices or explore changes to a learning agreement

• Ask for assistance in finding ways to meet goals identified in a learning agreement

• Plan for projects or report on projects undertaken

• Use the group as a safe space to explore personal issues

• Ask for coaching from someone within the learning group or for how they might obtain coaching from someone outside the learning group

• Allow a member a space to vent their feelings about a problem they have

• Allow a member to talk through a problem as some people think better out loud

• Develop social skills such as active listening and asking questions that further discussion.

• Plan visits or organise for visitors to attend a meeting of this group, in person or through a video call.