Categories: Management

How to MASTER Accelerated Learning

How to MASTER Learning

Accelerated or brain friendly learning has had a lot of good and bad press over the years, but what is it and how can you use it?

What is Accelerated Learning?

In basic terms it is efficient learning based on an understanding of the psychology (how) we learn. That is to present or acquire information in a way which makes it easier for the receiving brain to process and retain. Often programmes that are called “accelerated learning” are “learn to learn” type events/ prgrammes, helping individuals to understand their own learning styles and preferences.

To help people develop an accelerated learning methodology there are a number of frameworks or tools to help learning designers or trainers. One of the most common is the MASTER acronym.

The Six Step MASTER Plan

There are six fundamental steps or stages in any Accelerated Learning based programme. They can easily be remembered through the use of the acronym MASTER:

Mind, Acquire, Search/ Seek, Trigger, Exhibit and Review.

This acronym was first published by Colin Rose in Accelerated Learning for the 21st Century: The Six-Step Plan to Unlock Your Master-Mind.

The fundamental steps are:

1	Mindful State	The learner needs to be in a resourceful state of mind. This means being confident, motivated and relaxed. As learning facilitators we can help by creating an environment that encourages individuals to engage with the learning experience.When learners are stressed or lack belief in themselves they will not learn effectively.
2	Acquire the information	Learners need to acquire and absorb the information in the way best suited to their personal learning method and style.As learning facilitators we need to ensure that we use a diverse range of styles and activities to suit all styles.
3	Seek or Search the material & meaning	Learners need to fully explore the learning material from the perspectives and pace that is right for them. There’s a big difference between knowing something and understanding it.As learning facilitators we need to ensure that the material we cover is meaningful and relevant to the learners. Our material must have good face validity to those involved.
4	Trigger the memory/ learning	Learners need to ensure that the subject matter is locked into their long-term memory so it can be recalled when required.As learning facilitators we need to repeat key learning points and provide associations and memory hooks throughout the learning experience.
5	Exhibit (show you know)	Learners need to test their understanding of what they have recently learned. This is one of the most effective ways of proving learning to themselves by demonstrating it to others.As learning facilitators we need to provide appropriate opportunities for learners to show their new skills and abilities to both themselves and others.
6	Review	Learners need to take time to reflect on the learning experience – not just what they have learned, but how they learned. And importantly how to incorporate that learning into their daily life.As learning facilitators we must provide time for reflection, to help learners understand new content and plan when they can apply the learning