So, how is ABL unique from other character building education programs available?

·ABL adopts a 7-steps framework, which ensure that each child is correctly exposed, explained and experienced to right attitude

·ABL emphasis is on self-discovery rather than forced inculcation

·ABL uses 4 easy-to-remember animal characters to help each child relate a specially devised set of values and attitudes.

The process of nurturing positive attitudes in your students using Attitudes-Based Learning program is not complex. They are simple but effective steps to ensure that your students will slowly but steadily transform way they behave and feel about themselves. More importantly, family and friends will notice difference in them in most positive manner if done right.

The 7-Steps of Attitudes-Based Learning Process developed by Dr. Alvin Chan

There is a sequence of 7-steps that you need to follow in order for ABL to be effective in achieving your desired outcomes.

1.EXPLANATION AND UNDERSTANDING I.Explain attitude to be taught to your charges

II.Increase their understanding by giving a few examples about attitude. Better still, tell a story with related attitude to be taught and discuss with them

III.Ask them whether they have experiences about attitude taught to check on their understanding.

2.SHARING EXPERIENCES I.Get them to share their experiences about attitude and related positive behavior

3. SITUATIONS and REFLECTIONS I.Give them a few situations whereby such attitude can be applied in their lives

II.Ask them what they will do in this variety of situations

III.Get them to reflect upon their actions-are they appropriate or not?

IV.Share your thoughts with them about their actions

V.Tell them what you think is more appropriate action for each situation

VI.Ask them to reflect on what you have told them-do they agree with you?

4. ROLE-PLAY I.Create an environment for them to role-play few situations that are being discussed.

II.Ask them to point out whether ‘actors’ have acted in an appropriate manner.

5. ACTIVITY (TO REMIND AND REINFORCE THE LEARNING) I.Give them an activity (could be listening to a story, drawing or singing a song) to reinforce what they have learnt about attitude. This is to help them remember better attitude learnt in class.

II.Encourage them to ‘practice’ what they have learnt in class by giving specific situations and appropriate actions they can do in their home, with their family and friends.

6. ACCOUNTABILITY I.Get them to be accountable for practicing what they have learnt by providing them a checklist of positive actions (usually using pictures to show) for them to remind themselves (or even for their parents to sign checklist)

II.After a few days, ask them whether they have practiced positive actions based on checklist that were given in class.

7. EVALUATION I.Teacher must periodically keep track that students continue to practice positive actions taught to ensure internalization of attitudes.

II.The checklist also acts as a measurement to evaluate effectiveness of learning process.

Grading

Distance learning courses are not easy. Because student is not required to attend classes, it is imperative that a sound assessment of their absorption of materials is obtained by tutor, and this is only obtained through assignments that are usually more in depth than usual grading process that is awarded through classroom taught courses. This takes it's form by enabling student into not just learning about a given subject, but also showing their understanding of each individual step in essay form which lends to their overall grade. This is particularly important to student, as material is not only information that needs to be taught in a given subject. The student needs to be able to question material, and use their own reasoning when it comes to analysing what they are asked to absorb which keeps them interested in course work and sees that they feel more involved with process of their learning.

In words of Mike Tomlinson, former chief inspector of schools,

'Too much time is spent preparing for exams which could be used for learning'.