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Quality in action

Campfire Team • 16 October 2024

An easy way to plan and monitor quality learning experiences is checking if they are “REAL”. That is:

  • Relevant to the needs and interests of the learner according to their age and role, developed and refined through continuous dialogue with learners.
  • Exciting and engaging, offering varied learning experiences and embracing new developments in learning and development and society more generally.
  • Accessible, prioritising inclusive learning environments for every and any learner, taking their needs and context into account and making the learning journey accessible for all learners.
  • Learner-led, ensuring a meaningful learning process for each learner as agents of their own development.

If you observe REAL in practice during the learning experience, you can feel more confident that learners are having a quality experience. You can use REAL at any level, from individual learning experiences through to reviewing your youth programme and/or adult learning and development offer as a whole.

RELEVANT

 

We learn best when we care.

 

 

 

The learning experience:

  • Explores topics that learners care about
  • Uses tools learners are interested in 
  • Gives learners the chance to practise skills that are relevant to their lives today

What it looks like in action:

Learners can see how what they learn will build on what they already know, offer skills and knowledge they really want, and make a difference in their lives today. It feels modern and responds to trends in the wider world. It empowers them to live the life they want to live.

EXCITING

We learn best when we have fun. 

 

 

The learning experience: 

  • Provides activities that are innovative, fun, active and challenging
  • Is varied, and takes place in different settings 
  • Gives learners an opportunity to do something they’ve never done before 

 

What it looks like in action:

Learners have fun and can’t wait to take part in activities! They get to challenge themselves, take risks and have adventures they can’t have anywhere else. There is high energy and engagement. They are doing lots of different things as part of the experience, and getting out and about into different locations.

 

ACCESSIBLE

We learn best when we feel welcome.

 

The learning experience: 

  • Uses different approaches to fit the diverse needs of learners
  • Is accessible for learners with disabilities 
  • Takes local context into account 

 

What it looks like in action:

Learners feel welcome in Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, whatever their background and needs. Whatever kind of life they live, or barriers they face, Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting encourages them to take part, adapts the experience to their needs and shows them they are valued.

LEARNER-LED

We learn best when we decide what and how we learn.

 

 

The learning experience:

  • Is participatory and experiential
  • Offers learners choices in what to learn and how
  • Provides opportunities for learners to lead activities, guided by facilitators as needed 

 

What it looks like in action:

The Girl Guide and Girl Scout method is used fully, enabling learners to take the lead and plan their own learning journey. Their voice is valued, and they're encouraged to make decisions however young they are and whatever their role. They feel that Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting is a truly youth-led organisation that values intergenerational partnerships.

young women speaking

 

"I like being involved in the Movement because I meet people who are different to me." 

 

"The knowledge and skills I have acquired throughout my life are recognised and valued in the Movement. I can choose how I give my time and what I learn so I learn new skills that I am really interested in and that are useful to me in my professional and personal life."

 

"I know Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting will support me to stay in the Movement as my life changes and the way I give my time and energy needs to change."

 

"I like dedicating time to the Movement because I have a good time and I get to do things I don’t do in other areas of my life!"