Active vs. Passive Learning and other styles of learning Freshman Seminar

What is the difference between hearing and listening? Passive, not consciously taking in the information Listening: Active, taking in the information Have you ever been listening to someone talking to you and when they finished you asked them a question then answered it yourself? Have you ever asked what was for lunch RIGHT after the announcements were finished being read? WERE YOU ACTIVE OR PASSIVE!!!!

What makes a successful student in my class? Successful students are active -- that is, they ACT. They take control of their learning. They seek it out. They do things. Before complaining about your grade or asking me how you can improve your grade, READ these descriptors and honestly ask yourself if you are an active or passive learner.

What is Active Learning Active Learning: Simply mean “doing something” to help aid in learning Examples of Active Learning: Attending class Taking notes Reading Assignments Studying from materials Listening in class Learning from mistakes

What it looks like- A student who uses multiple and varied actions to achieve learning. One who is self-motivated and resourceful in seeking knowledge. A student who brings a “sense of urgency” to each and every learning occasion.

An active learner displays the following actions: (Active Study Habits) Asks questions during lectures or demonstrations. Records accurate notes/examples and refers to them often. Attempts every assigned problem and seeks immediate help with those that are beyond his/her current understanding. Uses every minute of class time to work on assigned tasks. IMMEDIATELY after returning from an absence, obtains notes, assignments and concepts learned from the teacher or another student Turns in complete homework packets, on time and legibly written with work shown.

Advantages of Active Learning Participating in the activities can help you a lot more than just observing Understand more when material is introduced Learn more with less effort Learn more in less time You will have the ultimate respect from your teacher and other responsible learners. You will enjoy the contentment of knowing that you have taken control of your learning. You will have my “sympathy”. That is, I will work with you when something “comes up”

Being an Active Learner you Feel empowered Are in control of what you learn and how you take it in Know gaining knowledge is rewarding and gives a better sense of self and self-worth Gaining purpose for the assignment and the class – responsibility Find an appropriate study place that is right for you The attitude that you can deal with any situation that you come across Know the 5 W’s and H: Who, what, where, when, why, and how

Passive Learning Passive Learning: Doing nothing while learning Osmosis: The process of learning or picking up ideas without conscious effort Examples of Passive Learning: Daydreaming No note taking Not doing assignments/homework Not asking for help Studying for things the night before Skipping class Repeating mistakes Not participating in class

What passive learning looks like A student who waits for the ideas to fall into their lap. A student who waits until the last minute (day of the test) to ask for help. A student who waits until their grade is “really bad” and causing ineligibility from school activities and/or “grounding” at home, before taking action. A student who thinks that some “easy extra credit” will fix two months worth of slacking.

A passive learner displays the following actions: Remains silent during lectures or demonstrations, even if they don't understand. If they copy examples or notes in class, they are stuffed in a locker/backpack/trashcan, never to be seen again. Only does a problem when asked to do so, or if it's “for a grade.” The pages of the textbook have rarely seen the light of day. Only works when the teacher is watching, or when told to do so (and then, only until the teacher quits watching) Doesn't ask what was missed. Will complain when missed material is used in class. Turns in nothing, or a few poorly scrawled answers. May include a few bits of arithmetic as “work.”

Benefits enjoyed by Passive Learners None that I can think of. Maybe the company of other whining students who are looking for someone or something to blame for their lack of learning and/or success in this class.

As learners where can you look for help? People: Teachers Other students Counselors Career counselors Tutor Librarian Siblings Parents Places: Tutoring center Library Computer lab

Helping you learn easier means taking good care of yourself Being healthy affects your ability to learn If you are tired and/or stressed out, it inhibits your ability to learn Get enough sleep Eat well Exercise No drinking No smoking