| College students are responsible
for their own learning...simple as that. This first checkpoint
is about knowing how you learn. In it, we will ask you to think about
how you learn and how that relates to the demands of college. You may
feel you have a good knowledge of your learnng strengths. If so, scan
the headings for new ideas or simply click this link to jump
to summary for Checkpoint 10 then go on to Checkpoint
9.
Learning is a complex process that involves taking information in,
storing it, and using it. Although we all learn in similar ways, each
of us has unique preferences based on our skills and motivation.
Skills You Use to Learn
College professors assume their students can read what is assigned,
understand what they are told, and express their own ideas through speech
and writing. Do you know what your future college professors expect
and how your skills stack-up? Use the linked worksheet to help you consider
that question.
My
Skills in College Classes: A Comparison Worksheet
How You Like to Learn
It is not surprising that we prefer to learn in the ways that use our
strongest skills. These are called learning preferences. Knowing your
learning preferences is important for two big reasons. First, you will
look for learning experiences that rely on your skills. Second, you
will know where you will have to compensate for weak areas. A number
of learning style preference inventories exist that will help you understand
how you learn best. We think a good one is VARK®-Learn which can
be used free on the Internet. Others can be found by using the
Post-ITT
Web site Resources search engine. Once you have answered the questions,
read about learning strategies that can help you use strengths and compensate
for weaknesses (also on the Vark®-Learn Web site).
Click
here to open The VARK-Learn Web site.
What Makes You Want to Learn?
Like high school teachers, some college professors are charismatic
while others are much less interesting. That's life. Do not count on
them to motivate you to learn. There will be many who do, but it is
better to rely on yourself. So, what makes you get up and go? Is it:
- What you are learning?
- The expectations of someone else (parents, friends, teachers)?
- An overpowering long-term goal (I will own my own business)?
- The allure of rewards in the short term (cookies at 11:00)?
- Economic necessity (staying eligible for my scholarship)?
After you have thought about it, discuss your motivation with others
that know you. What do they think? Finally, what can you do about all
of this? Is it possible to surround yourself with people that have high
expectations of you? How will you arrange your life to include time
for short-term rewards? If your long range goals are not clear, can
you clarify them? You can take control of factors that make you want
to learn and by doing so you will improve your learning experience.
Summary
Knowing how you learn is a key to success in college. With this knowledge,
you can rely on the skills you have already developed, find ways to work
around your weak areas with learning strategies, and keep yourself motivated.
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