Module 8 - Topic 1 - 2. Developing Learning Strategies PDF

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Module 8 − Topic 1: Developing Learning Strategies •

Have you ever asked yourself how you learn?

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How do you study for a test?

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Do you use the same strategies to study for different subjects?

Chances are you have different strategies that you use, depending on the subject, or maybe even different strategies depending on the professors’ exam styles.

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Some learning strategies are cognitive in nature. For example, when you paraphrase something you are reading, you are using a cognitive strategy.

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Some learning strategies are meta-cognitive. For example, you are reading and you have paused to ask yourself, “What does this mean?”, you are thinking meta-cognitively.

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Some learning strategies are behavioural. For example, when you copy a definition three times, you are incorporating a behavioural strategy.

You will probably notice that you use all of these strategies while you are studying or learning. Quite often, you are using these strategies automatically, without conscious thinking, because you have used them so often in the past.

Educational psychologists encourage teachers to explicitly teach learning strategies, focusing on what, how and when to use the strategies. Some examples of effective learning strategies include: •

Summarizing

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Note-taking using visual tools

Sometimes students will forget how to use a particular strategy. We can use mnemonics to help them remember steps. For example, when reading narrative stories, CAPS can remind students to think about: •

Who are the characters?

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What is the aim of the story?

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What is the problem that arises?

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How is the problem resolved?

The teaching of learning strategies should be incorporated with contextual content, so that students are guided to apply the strategies effectively.

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