What Is Learning?

Introduction

Let’s Talk About Learning

The major focus of this year is to help you become a better learner.

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This is going to be very hard, because learning is very hard.

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We do know some things about learning (references provided upon request).

Learning is Difficult

The difficulty is a feature, not a bug. Difficulties during learning help to make learning stronger and better remembered.

When learning is easy, it’s often superficial and soon forgotten.

Excellence = surpassing your current level of ability.

Striving is difficult, results in setbacks.

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You can always be a better learner

Not all intellectual abilities are hardwired. Effortful learning increases intellectual ability & changes the brain.

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This is referred to as your “mindset”.

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You can always be a better learner

You learn better when:

• You figure out the questions you have before you come to class.
• You wrestle with new problems before being shown the solution.
• You work at multiple time points to recall what you learn.
• You Mix the study of different problem types.
• You Elaborate and Reflect upon your learning.

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What does a successful student look like?

• Always covers the material prior to in-class discussions.
• Anticipates test questions and their answers as that material is being covered.
• Answers self-quizzing questions as she works.
• Reviews study guides for material she doesn’t know. Relearns that material.
• Copies bolded terms and defines them in her own words/makes sure she understands them.
• Does all practice review exams/etc. during review.
• Writes out important/detailed concepts and puts them someplace she sees them all the time (in bedroom, bathroom mirror, etc.).
• Spaces review and practice.

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What does an unsuccessful student look like?

• Doesn’t cover material prior to coming to class.
• Doesn’t encode notes properly.
• Doesn’t self-quiz while covering material.
• Doesn’t think about quizzes and tests prior to taking them, or tries to cram.
• Doesn’t do all the review material available before an exam.
• Expects someone else to do the work of learning for them.
• Doesn’t speak up when there’s a problem (either publicly or privately).
• Highlights notes as a major review strategy.

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