Agile learning

Agile Learning is based on taking incremental steps, constant review and using an iterative design process, where trial and error, learning and doing occur. Learning Guides support the learning in the process and encourage repeated iterations. In an agile learning environment, participants gain new competencies that are directly linked to their work context. 

Agile learning in the more technical sense refers to the use of a method such as ‘Scrum’, which is a competence-oriented, iterative framework for managing product development. Often a development team will work towards the completion of a common goal, in an environment of close collaboration and frequent communication. 

More detail:

In the business environment, agile learning is described in the following way:

(from: Wiki Agile learning)

The key elements of Agile Learning in companies are:

• Teams of peers with similar development goals and a broad spectrum of backgrounds
• Coaches (internal / external) to support the learning process
• Company stakeholders (management, human resource department, etc.) represented by a sponsor (“product owner” in Scrum).
• Learning objectives which are broken down within the team into personal learning goals
• Working on tasks from the actual working context
• Sprints to reach sub goals / milestones. The coaches will closely guide this process. 

From: Agile Based Learning: What Is It and How Can It Change Education?

The values of the Agile Schools Manifesto are as follows:

• Individuals and interactions over processes and tools
• Meaningful learning over the measurement of learning
• Stakeholder collaboration over complex negotiation
• Responding to change over following a plan

There are three questions to ask and answer in a daily review:

• What did I accomplish yesterday?
• What will I do today?
• What obstacles are impeding my progress? 
  
  

Examples: 

The Agile Classroom: Embracing an Agile Mindset In Education

Agile Project-Based Teaching and Learning

Agile Classrooms learning reinvigorated

Web resources:

Agile Based Learning: What Is It and How Can It Change Education?

Agile Manifesto for Teaching and Learning

Wiki Scrum (software development)

Agile and Scrum in Education: http://www.bearpathconsulting.com/Main/AgileAndScrumInEducation

Application:

A variety of interpretations of agile learning are used. When it comes to a learner working on product development as an individual, then a modified version of agile based learning is helpful. At times, when a team development goal is established, the wider principles of agile learning are adopted.

Agile learning is one of the 25 learning methodologies in the Learnlife learning paradigm toolkit. Learn more about the different ways to engage learners through the different learning methodologies.