New Learning Agenda

(Excerpts from A New Learning Agenda: "Putting People First." Palo Alto,
CA: Institute for Research on Learning, 1993.)

"Our research at IRL has led us to articulate Seven Principles of
learning-principles that present a serious challenge to the usual,
"comfortable" view of learning that dominates our institutions. These
principles call for change in schooling and workplace practice. They also
call for a change in the way we view and develop learning and learning
environments, and for change in the direction of policy and research.

1. LEARNING IS FUNDAMENTALLY SOCIAL. The choice between learning and social
fulfillment-a choice that dominates most schools and workplaces-should never
arise.

2. KNOWLEDGE IS INTEGRATED INTO THE LIFE OF COMMUNITIES. Knowledge,
activity and social relations are closely intertwined.

3. LEARNING IS AN ACT OF MEMBERSHIP. Learning is not just the activity of a
sole individual, but the primary vehicle for engagement with others.

4. KNOWING IS ENGAGEMENT IN PRACTICE. Only in the classroom is knowledge
presented in the abstract, and only in the classroom are people expected to
demonstrate knowledge through abstract performances.

5. ENGAGEMENT IS INSEPARABLE FROM EMPOWERMENT. Individuals perceive their
identities in terms of their ability to contribute-and in terms of their
contributions-to a community.

6. "FAILURE" TO LEARN IS THE NORMAL RESULT OF EXCLUSION FROM PARTICIPATION.
Learning requires access and opportunity.

7. WE ALREADY HAVE A SOCIETY OF LIFELONG LEARNERS. People are learning all
the time, but what they are learning is not necessarily in their best
interests or in the best interests of society."