I am offering ten principles for writing material for educational courses. Principle six is about the difference between presenting information and facilitating learning.

1. Principle 6
Education, not just information
Glenn Martin
March 2017

2.  The aim of an educational course is for students
to appropriate, understand and internalise the
concepts and facts, not simply for the
writer/teacher to deliver information.

3. A fundamental question for teachers and designers
of courses:
 “What is the difference between training/
education and the delivery of information?”

4.  Effective delivery/presentation of information is
like a good book – it presents material:
• logically
• developmentally
• lucidly
• comprehensively.

5.  What more does education or training offer?
 It has the following aspects built into the
design and delivery of a course.

6.  Cues for the student to consider and reflect on
what is being said.

7.  Exercises or activities for students to build or test
out their knowledge and understanding of the
course content.

8.  Feedback to students on their engagement with
the course content, such as feedback on
exercises carried out.

9.  Opportunities for students to develop their own
views in subject areas that involve human
perspectives and values.

10.  Opportunities for students to engage with the
teacher and each other in relation to the course
content.

11.  Assessment of what students have learned,
which may be informal and/or formal.