TOP 10 Approaches to Learning
for Middle Level Students

Approaches to Learning (ATL) refers to those characteristics students bring to the learning process. An analysis of the ATLs of students can provide insight into the types of teaching strategies and strategy adaptations that can lead to increased achievement. The ten most significant ATLs for the middle level learner appear below. To access specific teaching strategy adaptations associated with each characteristic, select the highlighted phrase of that characteristic.

Top 10

1. Uses study skills to organize and manage learning tasks.
   
2. Completes daily assignments and personal study independently.
   
3. Completes long range projects.
   
4. Uses productive techniques for expressing frustration, anger, pleasure, accomplishments and other emotions related to learning activities.
   
5. Is a kinesthetic learner (i.e. learns by doing and experiencing).
   
6. Is a visual learner.
   
7. Is an auditory learner.
   
8. Attends to tasks that require reading, problem solving and similar activities for the time it takes to complete them (20 minutes or more).
   
9. Seeks assistance of teachers and other school staff to support successful learning.
   
10. Approaches learning tasks and testing without fear of failure.

URL: http://www.ops.org/excels/msaltop.htm
Last updated: February 12, 2003
Contact: excels@ops.org