Source: Pixabay
Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.
-Benjamin Franklin
These wise words can easily be passed off as the guiding principle behind effective learning processes. Most learners today are exposed to different learning approaches that are the result of widespread implementation of technology in the domain of education.
There are a plethora of options that students can explore to make the learning process fulfilling for them. Whether it’s finding the right study materials or finding tools to help them with studies, the opportunities are endless.
Now the real question is how to make the optimum use of different learning process to excel in your academic endeavors. On that note, let’s dive in to discuss the significant steps that students can employ for effective learning.
#1. Goal setting is vital
Set objectives before proceeding to study and thoroughly check the material you want to cover. The eminent professor, tutor and assignment helper online also recommends that you can divide a lengthy chapter into small parts so that it becomes less overwhelming. Also, consider working on the complicated chapters when you’re feeling focused. Save the easier bits for when you’re less motivated.
Efficient planning will allow you to-
- Keep tabs on the areas you’re yet to cover
- Highlight the areas that need further emphasis
- Monitor your progress
Also, focus on grasping the general concepts of the topic you’re studying before delving deeper. This will allow you to understand, early on, whether you’ve set aside adequate time to learn the material. This will also clarify what tasks need to be completed immediately and which ones can wait.
#2. Adopt a critical approach while learning
Gone are the days when students were expected to swallow every information that their teachers would feed them and then regurgitate for the test.
As a student, you are given the liberty to approach your studies like a master chef. You can slice and dice the ideas. Chew the little morsels. Taste the flavors and decide if it suits your palette. Think of a dish that you might prepare.
Didn’t quite understand? What we basically mean to say is, you need to question the ideas. Evaluate them. Think about other possibilities. Check if you find the notions convincing. Develop your own ideas about the material presented.
#3. Implement a strategy that suits you
All of us have different ways of recalling, conceptualizing, and conveying information. “Implementing more than one method to understand or retain information will enable you to tackle difficult concepts more meticulously”, suggests Mark Newman, an academic expert on MyAssignmenthelp.
In this case, a common notion is that every individual has a preferred approach to learning. The following styles are the most commonly recognized.
- Spatial/Visual: This form involves images, visuals and spatial
- Auditory-Musical/Aural: This form of learning use voices, sound and music.
- Physical/ Kinesthetic: This style involves physical actions like using bodies, hands, and touch.
There are other prominent learning styles which include logical/ mathematical, verbal/linguistic, social/ Interpersonal, and solitary/ Intrapersonal.
You can seek your professor’s advice to discover your preferred style of learning if you haven’t tried this yet.
#4. Review the materials regularly
It’s essential to invest time studying the materials you have learnt in class. So, you must read through a new material right after class when it’s still fresh in your memory. Not only does this help in the long haul, but it also allows you to grasp the complex materials in less time. Having an idea about your areas of strength and weakness can guide you in your study preparations.
You can also consider taking some time before each class for reviewing the materials. This way, you will be prepared to raise any questions you may have in front of your professor.
Source: Pixabay
#5. Note-taking is an important chore
Note-taking is the nuts and bolts of effective learning. If you do it diligently, it will reflect on your academic performance.
When you’re studying, your notes will help you follow the entire sequence of ideas presented in class. You can even organize your notes into an outline form. This will assist you in clarifying your thoughts about a topic.
If you find that parts of a lecture or presentation are missing from your notes, check your textbook and ask your classmates or your professor for help to fill in the gaps.
Here are a few things you can consider for taking notes properly
- Maintain separate notebooks for different classes
- Write down the main ideas (often, your professor will summarize the takeaway points)
- Ask questions to clarify complicated concerns
#6. Tie your scattered ideas together
You read the textbook. You take notes in class. You do your homework. But the ideas you present are scattered like an unsolved jigsaw.
It seems like you’re missing a major piece of the puzzle here. However, this is completely normal. There is a proper way to deal with this problem and it’s pretty simple.
Draw a comparison among the main ideas from the different sources. Find the connections between the notes and the book. Ask yourself how they are connected with one another. Join the pieces together and solve the puzzle.
Source: Pixabay
#7. Quiz yourself and your friends
Assessment is an integral part of the learning process. And thanks to technology, now you don’t have to wait for an exam to test your knowledge, you can test yourself anyway. Create mock test questions, and try to answer them online.
In fact, you can get your friends and acquaintances to quiz you on several major concepts, or you can even encourage your friends to do the same. It’s an excellent way to know what you’ve learned and what you still need to learn. It will also help improve your retention capacity.
There are some apps that can help you prepare quizzes on a different subject.
StudyBlue: It lets you create flashcards on your mobile device.
Kahoot: This app generates quizzes from online flashcard sets.
#8. Bring in your study buddies
Forming a group of “study buddies” is possibly the most tried and tested technique for effective learning. A study group brings in an interactive element to study that promotes deeper understanding. There have also been misconceptions about group study due to the notion that it is more beneficial if someone studies in an isolated environment. But adopting a collaborative approach is incredibly efficient for a thorough understanding of a subject.
This way, you get to work with people who inspire and motivate you, and are genuinely helpful. The ideal group should consist of 3 or 4 people.
Some perks of a study group are as follows.
- Opens up the opportunity to discuss, teach, converse
- Challenges your ideas, promotes critical thinking and creativity
- Helps maintain your focus
- Helps connect with your fellow students and professors online
Parting thoughts,
Your responsibility as a student is to follow the teachers’ directions. Your head isn’t an empty jug that another can fill with knowledge. A teacher may lead you to the right path, but you need to take control of your own learning. These steps will allow you to make your learning process more seamless.
