Professional Development Workshop: Self Managed Learning in Action

Join us for a one-day immersive workshop designed for professionals working in the learning and education sector. This event is ideal for school leaders, teachers, SENDCos, learning communities practitioners, and other educators seeking practical experience and knowledge on utilising Self Managed Learning (SML) to support young people, especially when mainstream approaches are not effective.

This event is an opportunity to:

• Gain a wider introduction to SML.
• Participate in practical workshops.
• Network with like-minded professionals.
• Learn to implement SML methodologies in your own context.
• See firsthand where and how SML works.

Who Should Attend?

• Teachers and School Practitioners: Address the challenge of supporting young people who are struggling to engage and attend with innovative SML approaches.
• Learning Communities Practitioners: Gain insights into establishing effective structures for implementing self-directed learning communities.

About the Workshop

Facilitator: Dr Ian Cunningham

Dr Ian Cunningham, the creator of the Self Managed Learning approach and founder of SML College, will share proven methods for helping young people learn. Key topics include:

• Developing a diverse toolbox to support young people struggling with mainstream schooling approaches.
• Distinguishing the role of a learning assistant from that of a facilitator.
• Developing a community and the role of consensus decision-making.
• Learning to lead a good life and what that means for young people.
• Working without curricula, imposed teaching/lessons/timetables.
• Using empty structures to support autonomous learning.
• Applying the Five Questions Method and learning agreements.
• Exploring over 57 different ways young people can learn, most of which are free.
• Communicating effectively with young people, including the best ways to ask questions.

Dr Cunningham will be available for follow-up questions and support as part of the fee, which is a donation to the SML College Hardship Fund. 100% of the proceeds will go towards supporting our local parents, as Dr Cunningham provides his services for free.

Why Attend?

• Networking: Meet and connect with fellow educators, parents, and professionals passionate about innovative learning methods.
• Practical Skills: Leave with tangible strategies and tools to implement in your educational environment.
• Support: Gain access to follow-up resources and continued support from Dr. Cunningham and the SML College community.
• 100% of money goes to Hardship Fund: All fees collected will be donated to the SML College Hardship Fund, ensuring that students from deprived areas can access our services regardless of their financial situation.

Key information

Date: Saturday 5th October

Time: 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Location: SML College, Gardner Road, Fishersgate, BN41 1PN (near Brighton)

Fee: £60 (minimum donation, with the option to donate more)

Includes: Buffet lunch and materials sent ahead of time

Agenda

10:00 AM: Registration and Coffee/Tea

10:30 AM: Introductions and expectations from attendees

11:00 AM: Using a learning agreement/contract – explore the role of the adult with the young person or practice it as an adult

12:30 PM: Buffet Lunch

1:15 PM: Learning modes

3:30 PM: Making it happen

5:15 PM: Event concludes

Travel Information:

Trains from London Victoria: 08:46 AM to Fishersgate (arrives 10:09 AM)

Return: 05:38 PM from Fishersgate (arrives London Victoria 06:58 PM)

Book Your Spot

Secure your place by booking through Eventbrite. The minimum donation is £60, but please consider offering more if you can afford it. Your contribution will make a significant impact on supporting families in our community.

For more information about SML College, visit http://www.smlcollege.org.uk

Host or Publisher SML College