|
 A key to success in college
is to become more active in your educational process. Instructors can
provide opportunities for learning, but they cannot learn the material
for you. You can develop and improve your attitudes, actions, and behaviors
in relation to studying. Ask yourself the following questions to determine
if you use passive or active approaches to learning.
In the classroom, do you...
• Arrive on time, with necessary materials, ready to think and to learn? 
• Know the course syllabus, the instructor's expectations and grading policies,
and other important information?
• Complete assignments ahead of time?
• Work hard to focus on the lecturer with an open frame of mind?
• Learn about and use note taking systems that work for you and your learning
styles?
• Ask questions, or write questions in your notes, and participate in class discussions?
When reading, do you...
• Read with a purpose? 
• Constantly question what you read?
• Relate what you are reading to your own experience and knowledge?
• Use pens or highlighters to mark the text, make notes, draw graphic organizers,
and write questions and notes?
• Know how to identify main ideas, important details, conclusions, and summarize
what you have read?
When studying and preparing for tests, do you...
• Know what to study? 
• Make a study guide to plan, organize, and condense information in meaningful
ways?
• Create concept maps, time lines, diagrams, comparison charts, outlines, and
other study aids?
• Summarize and paraphrase information in your own words?
• Seek out additional resources, such as discussion groups or tutoring, to understand
difficult information?
• Ask the instructor for additional materials or explanations?
These are just a few of the many ways you can develop active approaches and strategies
for learning. Consider taking a Peninsula
College course to improve your study skills, or click
here to research Study Skills Websites on the Internet. |
 |
|