Fundamentally, the concept of accelerated learning incorporates hands-on experiences with positive reinforcement of the natural learning abilities of every individual. It's a system derived from detailed studies of the human mind and how it acquires knowledge, with consideration for Dr. Lozanov's conclusions that learning is enhanced when tension, stress, and preconceptions are removed. Lozanov believed that powerful learning must engage both the analytical brain and the emotional brain, along with both states of mind-the conscious and the unconscious. Based on these principles, IAL focuses on the application and expansion of the following:
(from the International Alliance for Learning)

Knowledge About the Human Brain
It goes without saying that the brain is at the core of the learning process. Scientific knowledge and understanding of the brain is important to the design of effective teaching and learning experiences.

Emotional State
The emotions can powerfully influence the learning process and enhance retention. When emotions are positive, the total intelligence is in gear, ready to move into new experiences.

The Learning Environment
IAL takes into consideration every aspect of the learning environment that can positively or negatively affect the experience, such as lighting, temperature, acoustics, seating arrangement, color, and decor. The environment needs to be fun, engaging, and rewarding.

The Role of Music and the Arts
Because music creates emotional engagement and memorability, it is a valuable, and often overlooked, educational tool. It can influence the entire pace, mood and energy level of the learning experience. And art can be used to facilitate self-understanding, emotional involvement and the application of knowledge to real life situations.

Personal Motivation
The desire to continue learning is based on self-confidence and personal expectations. Left unaddressed, these issues could alter the course of a student's life.

Multiple Intelligences and Learning Styles
The theory of multiple intelligences and individual learning styles are an integral part of accelerated learning. IAL subscribes to Howard Gardner's perspective. . ."to respect the many differences among people, the multiple variations in the ways that they learn, the several modes by which they can be assessed, and the almost infinite number of ways in which they can leave a mark on the world."

Imagination/Metaphors
Imaginative games and activities enrich verbal and written information with physical movement, color, depth, and positive emotions. Visualization skills enhance spelling, memory, creativity, and other abilities. And metaphors bring stronger meaning to any subject.

Suggestion
What is not spoken may often be conveyed by body language, attitude, choice of words and thinly veiled expectations. Though subtle, these suggestions, aided by a rich variety of learning tasks, music, movement and exercise, can create a positive mental state and raise energy levels and attentiveness.

Team Learning and Cooperation
Cooperative learning activities allow participants of all abilities to benefit as mentors and learners, develop interpersonal and time-management skills, and more fully develop creative talents.

Improvement and Results

Learning expectations should be clearly defined and shared with participants and constituents so that:

  • learners are able to comprehend the relevance of the subject matter to their lives and
  • instructors can measure progress and generate objective data that can be used to continuously improve and add value to planning, assessment, and process improvement.