Engagement: We are all about engagement – learning through self-discovery, creating an emotional connection and commitment to oneself and others, making choices, and taking action toward healthy and meaningful change.

The R1 Learning System provides evidence-based and best practice tools and training that increase the knowledge, skills and effectiveness of practitioners in the field. Here is why our focus on learning, building vocabulary, and providing innovative hands-on activity-based tools increases engagement and are our key differentiators.

Why Cards?

Why Cards? We are all about tools. We’re starting with card decks. Cards are simple, familiar, and approachable. They provide hands-on learning experiences that increase engagement and spark meaningful conversations.

When we pick cards, whether they be emotions we're feeling, situations that trigger us, consequences we're dealing with, or defense mechanisms we use to protect our addictions, we begin to clarify what we're experiencing or thinking, see our behaviors in a new light, and become open to new ideas and possibilities. The physical act of choosing cards begins to build ownership and an emotional connection with our own recovery and the actions needed to move forward toward change.

Active Learning

Cards increase: (holding, sorting, choosing, etc.)

Engagement
Interactivity and connection
Focus—attention focused on one concept at a time
Ownership—choosing and holding a physical card connects concept to self
Learning comprehension and retention
Satisfaction

Group Dynamics

Cards: (showing, sharing, etc.)

Give words to people who struggle with how to share their thoughts and feelings
Pull people out of the shadows and into the discussion
Provide a format for group members to engage with others – “show me your cards” or “say more about that card”
Level the playing field – give group members an equal voice

Reuseability

Card decks tend to be: (durability, box size, etc.)

Reused and played with again by individuals when taken home after treatment or recovery program
Used and played with by family, friends, and others
Kept on a desk at home versus thrown away or put in a drawer
Cost effective—used again and again in multiple settings

Why Models?

Why Models? We are all about learning retention. Models provide memorable visual symbols for complex concepts or sets of information. Models and graphic organizers are visual symbols used to express knowledge, concepts, thoughts, or ideas, and the relationships between them. The main purpose of a model is to provide a visual aid to facilitate learning and instruction. Two types that we use with the Discovery Cards include:

Contextual or Ontological Models: A set of concepts and categories in a subject area or domain that show their properties and the relationships between them.
Process Models: A series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end.

Many of our Discovery Card topics categorize their information into color-coded categories to improve the learner’s ability to understand and relate to the content presented. This enables individuals to more quickly digest and process the information, apply it to their own experience or circumstance, discuss it with others, and take action based on their understanding.

Vocabulary Building: We are all about building a common vocabulary - this is one of the primary purposes of the Discovery Cards. Of all the things R1 aspires to do, we think this one will have the greatest impact. Addiction is new to many people in early recovery. Like other subjects, individuals need to first learn the basics before they can take action – building a vocabulary is the first step.

Vocabulary: A body of words in a particular language, branch of knowledge, or field of study.
Taxonomy: A body of words defined or named into groups; the classification of words into ordered categories.

As people learn more their vocabularies expand and grow, enabling both greater understanding, and greater ability to express thoughts, feelings, and beliefs with others. The more individuals can describe and express what’s going on with them – to family, friends, and counselors, the sooner they can make healthy choices, take action, and move forward toward healthier behaviors. The Discovery Cards not only create a shared vocabulary, but also a taxonomy to help maximize learning.

Why Learning Styles?

Why Learning Styles? We are all about learning. Learning styles are the way that individuals absorb, process, comprehend, and retain information. The Discovery Cards have been designed to address a full range of learning styles and settings.

Why Experts?

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Why Experts? We are all about maximizing the use of evidence-based and best practices from experts in the field. Experts are people that have comprehensive and authoritative knowledge in a particular field or area. The experts we have chosen have dedicated their professional lives to the research and development of practical theories, models, and solutions to address a problem or set of problems in their field. Many of these theories and models have been in use for decades, studied, and shown to positively affect the problem they are addressing. R1 Learning is partnering with, being reviewed by, or has adapted our content from experts for each of the topics we have chosen. Our goal is to allow greater access to their work so it can have the maximum impact.

Evidence-based / Best practice strategies for prevention, treatment, and recovery programs

James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente

Stages of Change

Elvin Jellinek and Max Glatt – Jellinek Curve

Phases of Addiction

Terence Gorski

Relapse Warning Signs
Relapse Triggers
Relapse Prevention Tools

Abraham Maslow – Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Consequences

Bill White and David Best

Recovery Capital

George Vaillant

Defense Mechanisms

John Holland – RIASEC Codes

Career Interests

Adapted from Plutchick, Gorski, and Mellody

Emotions & Feelings

12 Step Programs
AA & NA World Services Groups

12 Step Programs

Why Metrics?

Why Metrics? We are all about making an impact and changing lives. Measuring learning is critical for assessing impact and outcomes. Results are best achieved when they are quantified. Let us help you focus on metrics that matter so that you can increase: