Read time is less than three minutes.
As promised in the last post, this post begins to discuss efficient
learning strategies. Yes, the newness of the school year has probably worn off,
but the curiosity of learning never wears off.
Curious learners are like those annoying selfie takers—they never get tired of taking
selfies. Curiosity never goes away, either. Whether you are
a learner or a teacher (parents are teachers), emphasize the curiosity of
learning.
One way to become a more curious (and more efficient) learner is to
become a selfish learner.
Being selfish as a learner is not bad, but actually good. A selfish learner is
one who asks herself/himself, “What does this information mean for me?” or “How
can I use this information?” This slight turn of perspective makes a huge
difference in learning.
As soon as learners are able to see how the content or process or main
idea is useful, they are likely to find ways to learn and use the information.
- If you are learner, simply ask yourself how the information is useful NOW to you—and not just so you can pass the class, but what actual way does it help? Does the information expand your communication skills, help you figure a budget, assist you in building a work bench in the garage, aid you in keeping track of a fitness routine, provide a topic of conversation with your in-laws, help you make wise picks for your fantasy football team? How can it really help now?
- If you are a teacher or parent, ask the learner how the information is useful NOW to him or her—and not just to pass the test or class, but what actual way does it help? Does the information clarify other information, prepare a basis for future information, compare with a video game or YouTube video? How can it really help now?
Let me repeat, the slight turn of perspective makes a huge difference
in learning. Become a selfish learner.
Now let’s talk about how to attain that learning. Robert Marzano’s
research continues to show that identifying similarities and differences has the highest yield
of learning. The Feb. 28, 2015 post provided some simple specifics about using
the comparison/contrast strategy. Click here to review that post.
The comparison/contrast is only one strategy
of identifying similarities and differences. My next post will discuss other
strategies in identifying similarities and differences, the highest Return On Investment
learning category.
The first step is to become a selfish learner; the second step is to
compare the new material you will learn to something you already know.
