What is the Learning Disposition Wheel?

 The Learning Disposition Wheel is based on extensive research in psychology and education and informed by Self-Determination Theory. It is a coherence maker or schema that identifies the dispositions needed for deeper, self-regulated and transferable learning.

These dispositions can be learnt and taught through mindfully selected pedagogical processes integrated with curriculum learning. Effective teaching and learning depend on learners developing these dispositions continually throughout their lives.

The Learning Wheel dispositions are:

• focus,

• grit,

• curiosity

• influence,

• empathy,

• teamwork,

• think why and how,

• make and express meaning,

• build new ideas.

These dispositions not only allow us to learn deeply and effectively, but they also support us to navigate the complexity and challenges of life itself.

How was the learning disposition wheel developed?

The National Research Council (NRC) 2012 report Education for Life and Work: Developing Transferable Knowledge and Skills in the 21st Century used a substantial research base to identify three broad domains for deeper learning capacity.

The three domains are:

The cognitive - the capacity to think and reason
The intrapersonal - the capacity to self-regulate emotions and behaviours
The interpersonal - the capacity to relate to others.

The NRC report used a classification scheme to describe and align human competencies with these domains and argue that these competencies can be taught and learnt.

Research in Self-Determination Theory also informs our understanding of the Learning Disposition Wheel. This theory of motivation explains how competence, automony and relatedness are three basic psychological needs that support the development of agency, well-being and positive learning outcomes.

From this research, 4C Transformative Learning developed a metalanguage for the Wheel in consultation with education leaders, teachers, students and parents.

Learn more about the learning disposition wheel

We’ve written in depth about the learning disposition wheel in our books (you can find those here) or feel free to contact us if you have questions about how the wheel might be useful in your context.

4CTL, in partnership with BFX, are excited to offer large, vinyl Learning Disposition Wheels for sale.