Effective learning

Many students do not have patience, they want everything fast and only want to read something easy and short that is why their knowledge is shallow, not enough to solve complex problems. For example, when given assigned readings many think they can get what they need out of an article with just one quick read through. Some do not even read the whole article but only skim through a few paragraphs and consider that is enough. I have observed many students reading articles in the library, their eyes quickly glance through it but their ears are covered by a headphone connected to their iPod full of music and their hands are constantly “texting” their friend on their smartphone. I often remind students that trying to do several things at once is NOT effective as doing one thing at a time as they must focusing completely to learn it well.

Many students believe knowledge is composed of several pieces of information, if they can memorize them, they have the knowledge. This is the “Classics” way of study among college students – Learning by memorization. These students copy all definitions and concepts into a small notebook then memorize them instead of reading what they need to study. This approach may help students to “regurgitate” the correct definition to pass tests, but they never develop the profound knowledge that allows them to apply the concepts to solve problems. I have seen many Asian students struggled in U.S schools because of this misconception about study habit. An Asian student complained to me: “I was the top student in my school, I always have perfect score on national exam but I do not know why I could not pass a test in your class.” I told him: “All you are taught is memorize things and you did well but now you need to learn how to apply your knowledge into something practical. Unless you are willing to learn how to study and change your habit, you will not succeed here.”

Many students do not have good study habit but often wait until the night before the exam and try to “cram” everything at once. That is why they may know a few things, maybe enough to pass an easy test but they cannot develop the skills that they need. The fact is there is no shortcut to study and reading comprehension and without profound knowledge; they cannot develop the needed skills. The issue is many students only think about passing exams, obtain degrees but NOT thinking far enough into the future where they have to go work and build a career. Without a learning direction, without a career plan, many may graduate but cannot find job and have to work in lower paying jobs that have nothing to do with their education or become unemployment for a long time.

Many students believe that being good at certain subject is a matter of “Inborn talent” rather than hard work. Students often told me that they cannot do math because they are not “Smart enough” or they cannot write code because they do not “have the talent”. Students who have these wrong beliefs often do not try hard and give up as soon as they encounter any difficulty. Few years ago, a student told me that when he was in high school, he was often scolded by his teacher as “Stupid” and “Not smart enough” and he carried that burden for a long time. I told him: “That is unfortunate but you have two choices, either you accept that your high school teacher is right as you are “stupid” or you can prove that your high school teacher is wrong by put in the effort to study hard. Learning is 10% intelligent and 90% hard work, so if you are willing, I will help.” He accepted and put in the efforts, every day he came to my office for 30 minutes of study. He graduated with honor and now works at Microsoft as a senior developer. He often came back to my class to give advices to students. He told the class: “I am very good at math because I have spent a lot of time doing it. I am one of the best software developers because I work hard at it. Learning is 10% intelligent and 90% hard work and I am the proof of it.”

For many years of teaching, I know that most young students, especially those in the 18-22 age range, do not believe what their teachers tell them so I invite graduates to come back to school and share experience with them. The evidence offered by a “real person” with real life experience is difficult to ignore. A good learning begins with a proper mid set, to help students to learn, teachers need not only lectures and advices but also whatever means to educate them. Using real life example and real story are another best way to motivate students to learn.

Sources

  • Blogs of Prof. John Vu, Carnegie Mellon University