How can we implement Negotiated Learning?

1. make the entire course/module negotiable, i.e. sit down with a group of students, & work out from scratch what they want to learn (see Gateway notes & What does Grey Matter video)
2. start with a module title & rough parameters & negotiate the details, e.g. Creative Thinking or Carpentry, either in the first session, or at a special planning meeting.
3. present the class with the official course/module outcomes*, & negotiate within those parameters, e.g. by asking:
4. which outcomes interest you most?
   
   1. are there any you can do already?
   2. which are most relevant to you at present?
   3. which would you like to start with?
   4. are there any outcomes you are happy to work on alone or in pairs between classes? (some things are more easily learned on your own, whereas others really need group involvement)
   5. are there any other outcomes you want included?
   6. any suggestions on the topics/exercises/projects we can use to explain or practise these outcomes?
      
   * Obviously with some classes, you will have to simplify the wording of the outcomes
5. whatever the situation, you have to establish a structure or format, which the students understand, & which embeds the opportunities for negotiation at the core of the day-to-day running of the module, so that:
   
   1. you always remember to do it
   2. the students realise it is an important part of their learning
   3. it becomes a habit for both the teacher and the students
   The structure will vary according to the subject & facilities & students, & should suit your personality & preferred teaching styles, but it should include at least some of the attached suggestions.