In learning, no one single approach can be said to be the best. Each person adapts differently to the existing approaches, and therefore the ideal approach to learning depends on an individual (Schmeck, 2013). Despite this, several learning styles and study strategies have been proven to be the most effective with regard to getting the most out of reading (Liu & Reed, 1995). A learning style can be defined as the manner in which the brain receives and forms new information. My learning styles include interpersonal, intrapersonal and musical. Interpersonal learning style requires a good relationship with other individuals, particularly in study groups. The intrapersonal style is efficient when revising for exams since it needs more privacy. Lastly, musical learning style involves the use of music and sounds, and therefore it incorporates the use of musical instruments. On the other hand, some notable study strategies include reducing interference, reciting and using a study system (Carter et al., 2015).
These study strategies would work for me based on my learning styles. For instance, reducing interference would help me to retain what I have learned. This would be achieved by getting rid of all distractions, during the learning process. Reciting, sometimes aloud, would help me to remember what I have learned. This is an effective studying strategy, particularly in regard to memorizing details. Another strategy that would be useful is the use of a study system. Given its strength, the SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review) would be ideal in my case.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
The environment is very critical in the learning process. My current learning environment is perfect for my learning styles. This is not only because it facilitates maximum concentration, but also because it allows for relaxation between the learning sessions. The library, where I study from is accessible the whole day, giving me flexibility. It also provides a serene environment, including outdoor spaces that provide alternative learning locations. Though not all my skills fit with the environment, some modifications can be done on my approach to learning so as to maximize on the environment. Some of the likely changes include alternating the time of the day and varying the sitting areas. Likewise, different aspects of the learning environment can me modified. These include regulating lighting and temperatures as well as isolating specific zones for use in specific learning purposes.
Understanding the reasons for learning is essential for all students. For instance, college students spend valued resources, including time and effort in acquiring knowledge. Due to these reasons, their primary goal should be to get maximum returns from their investment (Carter et al., 2015). However, parenting plays a critical role in achieving this. This is because the ability of students to recognize their strengths, qualities and limitations originates from a wide range of sources and begins in childhood. The perception of parents about their children may affect the latter’s ability to grow, especially as a result of the knowledge gain while in school. However, this only occurs if the students accept the labels they may have been given during their childhood (Carter et al., 2015). Moreover, students acquire a broad range of qualities as a result of their exposure to various study materials.
Each student has a different learning style. Likewise, students may be conceived with specific levels of capacity and potential in different areas. However, this ability can be enhanced with time through learning (Schmeck, 2013). Self-knowledge is considered an essential aspect in determining how different people react to different circumstances. This is because it enables individuals to understand themselves, and this is important particularly in study groups. Students may respond differently to others in such groups depending on the level of self-knowledge (Carter et al., 2015). Once a student understands his or her weaknesses and strengths, learning becomes easy because he or she is aware of the areas where more effort is required. Therefore, self-assessment is critical in determining individual weaknesses and strengths. Besides, the process of learning is made possible by the existence of various forms of intelligence. These include verbal linguistic, logical-mathematical, bodily-kinesthetic, visual-spatial, interpersonal, intrapersonal, musical and naturalist (Carter et al., 2015). The level of application of the different forms of intelligence in the learning process greatly determines the outcome. Moreover, based on experience and effort put, the development of each of the eight bits of intelligence can either grow or decline over time.
Critical thinking is another important aspect that can be applied in study strategies and learning styles (Carter et al., 2015). One of the main strengths of humans is their ability to think critically and make decisions based on this. Therefore, students can apply critical thinking, and its various components to make learning successful. Critical thinking enables learners to ask themselves questions. Though some may consider asking themselves questions unnecessary, it’s through this act that they are actively involved in the act of thinking. Once questions are asked, critical thinking follows suit, the answers are sought and finally, knowledge is acquired from the answers received. This process highlights the benefits of critical thinking (Carter et al., 2015). All college students are required to think both critically and creatively, and this is more than just memorizing what is learned from the answers obtained.
Another valuable tool that can be applied in the learning process is the SQ3R. Invented by Francis Robinson, the tool has been proved to be useful particularly to college students (Carter et al., 2015). It’s a system that represents survey, asking questions, reading, reciting and finally, reviewing. A combination of these stages makes it one of the most applicable systems in nearly all learning institutions in the world. Skimming enables one to develop a quick idea of what he or she is about to go through. While skimming is used to get the most important points in a learning material, scanning is used to look for accurate information (Carter et al., 2015). Surveying is the review of the given assignment or reading material. It’s the first stage in the SQ3R system, and it lays the foundation for other stages. Questioning is the next stage, and as discussed earlier, it plays a significant role in critical thinking, which leads to the final answer. Further, it leads to reading, during which period focus is placed on the key points.
The primary intention of reading is to obtain the key points in the entire assignment. This is followed by reciting the answers received while reading. This stage helps the information collected to stick in the memory for enhanced understanding. Reciting may involve writing as this is proved to be the most efficient method of learning new ideas. Reviewing completes the process and it is recommended that the review process is done soon as the process of reading is completed as well as periodically (Carter et al., 2015). Moreover, memorizing becomes easier after reviewing.
References
Carter, C., Bishop, J. & Kravits, S. L. (2015). Keys to Effective Learning: Study Skills and Habits for Success, Custom Edition, 1st Edition . [VitalSource Bookshelf Online]. Retrieved from https://digitalbookshelf.argosy.edu/#/books/9781323079157/
Liu, M., & Reed, W. M. (1995). The relationship between the learning strategies and learning styles in a hypermedia environment. Computers in Human Behavior , 10 (4), 419-434.
Schmeck, R. R. (Ed.). (2013). Learning strategies and learning styles . Springer Science & Business Media.
