EAQ’s philosophy is based on an experiential, non-judgmental, learner-centred approach.
Experiential Learning
Learning through real experiences, when the learner uses all their senses, is a really powerful way of learning. This multi-sensory approach (based on Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle) enables the learner to remember the feelings that they had in their body as well as what they saw or heard. Humans are thought to have at least 32 different senses, not just the five main senses of sight, sound, smell, taste and touch.
Proprioception is the sense of where you are in space. This sense is the one you use to touch your nose with your hand when your eyes are closed, or walk along without looking at your feet. Interoception tells you what is going on inside your body. Learners who struggle with interception may not know if they are hungry or full, hot or cold. They may also struggle with self-regulation. A Sense of Agency refers to a feeling of control over our thoughts and actions and the consequences of those actions. Learners may struggle with their sense of agency.
Non-judgmental
Staff are trained in special communication techniques which use non-judgmental, demand-free language. We call this the 3Rs of Communication. These are Repeating, Reflecting and Reporting.
Repeating allows the learner to continue with their own train of thought and not be diverted by questions posed by the tutor.
Reflecting is used to draw attention to an underlying emotion rather than focusing on the specific words or the behaviour which is presented.
Reporting is a statement of fact which can be used to provide information or as a conversation opener. It is demand-free as it does not require a response.
Learner-centred
Learners are ‘dynamic participants’, actively involved in the whole learning process. They are able to look for challenges and goals which inspire and engage them, solve problems, recognise how they learn best, make mistakes, test out theories, analyse results, modify their designs and develop their own intrinsic motivation.