The LML programme in Malta

Let Me Learn was introduced in Malta 15 years ago after Dr Johnston met Dr Joseph Mifsud and Dr Mark Borg at a conference and invited them to take part in the project.

The initial pilot project involving just one school has now grown to such an extent that a number of teachers hoping to enrol on the training programme held during the 2008/2009 scholastic year have been asked to reapply next year, LML Malta co-ordinator, Colin Calleja explains.

The training programme is 24 hours long spread from January to May. It is split into six two-hour sessions approximately every fortnight, and two full-day seminars. This gives participants time to implement the theory covered during the sessions in their workplace.

The LML trainers also conduct individual class visits as part of a support system to assist teachers with the initial implementation.

The programme is open to teachers, learning support assistants and school administrators and each intake usually has participants from each group, providing a spectrum of experiences.

Some schools opt for a 'whole school' adoption of the LML process and these schools tend to achieve the greatest level of success.

"A 'whole school' approach helps ensure cohesion between teachers, administrators and parents while the resulting continuity benefits the students who continue to build on their awareness of their learning patterns," says Calleja .

"Over the past 15 years, we have trained over 200 professionals in the LML process and most have found it useful and adopted it in their teaching. During the past year, in addition to the LML training courses, we were also entrusted with the 'Differentiated Learning' training programme for all Year 5, 6 and 7 teachers in state schools in Malta and Gozo.

"After the initial training programme, we also provide mentoring services to help course participants in the initial stages of adopting the process into their work practices. Since introducing the mentoring service, we have noticed a decrease in the number of participants who discontinue using the process."

To learn more on LML in Malta visit www.letmelearnmalta.org.