Learning modes: an investigation of perceptions in five Kent classrooms

Summary This paper examines the perceptions of 123 primary pupils in Kent regarding their experience of a variety of learning modes and, in particular, on their perceptions of collaborative learning, involving discussion in small groups. It investigates the links between classroom and the perceived enjoyment, learning value and satisfaction with level of provision of these learning modes, and it concludes that teachers and other key people involved in education need to broaden children's conceptions of learning and place greater emphasis on raising the status of talk and discussion in pupils’ minds.