Applied learning emphasizes connecting what is being learned to real-world experiences by involving learners and teachers with outside organizations. It takes a holistic approach to nurturing learners by considering their personal strengths, interests, goals and experience, and helps them become more independent and responsible for their own learning outside the traditional classroom. The key characteristics of applied learning are making real-life connections, linking theory to context or application, allowing learner control, sharing knowledge, building on learner skills and experience, integrating learning, and considering the whole person.

1. Underpinning Concepts
… is an approach, which emphasises the relevance of what is being
learnt to the ‘real world’
… involves learners and their teachers with organisations and
individuals outside the education organisation
Applied learning …
… is concerned with nurturing and working with the learner in a
holistic manner, which takes into account their personal strengths,
interests, goals and previous experience
… acknowledges that moving learners out of the traditional classroom
means helping them to make a shift to become more independent and
responsible for their own learning

2. 1. Make connections with communities and real life experiences
2. Link context and/or application with theory and/or skills
3. Allow learner to take control of their learning
4. Share knowledge and recognise the knowledge learners bring to the
learning environment
5. Use and build on the skills, knowledge and experience of the
learners
6. Integrate learning
7. Build resilience, confidence and self worth – consider the whole
person
8. Promote diversity of learning styles and methods
Characteristics of applied learning