How Students Learn College Teaching Institute Presenter: Monica McCrory The Graduate School

"The only source of knowledge is experience." ~ Albert Einstein

Information has to be processed and practiced to be learned. We tend to remember: 10% of what we read 20% of what we hear 30% of what we see 50% of what we hear and see 70% of what we say 90% of what we both say and do

Overview of Session Favorite and Worst Class Ever! 8 Principles of Learning “I’ll Never Get It” – video clip Diagnose this TA’s problem and make suggestions

1. Information has to be processed and practiced to be learned. Students learn and retain by doing. Divide learning into mini-lessons. Make it close to real-life. Put activity and practice before concept and theory. Help students recognize new information in various guises and circumstances.

2. Learning is an active, community endeavor. Learning is social; do it with others. Use cooperation and collaboration. Frequent interaction increases motivation, involvement, and retention. Use class time for practice.

3. Each person’s learning process is different. Learners’ backgrounds, experiences, and learning styles differ. Capitalize on multiple intelligences by using getting students to work together. Give students control over learning goals and strategies when possible. Use varied approaches.

4. Emotions play a vital role in the learning process. Emotions may block logical interpretation. Create a safe and welcoming learning environment. Praise students’ efforts. Provide for emotional expression through journals, discussions, and reflection.

5. The desire to make order and meaning is innate. Students have desire to make meaning out of chaos. Engage curiosity; make learning like a puzzle to solve rather than facts to be memorized. Prior beliefs can hinder future learning. Find out what learners believe or know.

6. Excessive control hinders learning. When correct answers or actions are tightly controlled, curiosity is stifled. Help students reduce stress and increase control by providing choice, teaching test-taking strategies, setting reasonable timelines.

7. Learning is influenced by expectations. Build confidence; provide opportunities for success. Communicate your confidence and expectations early and often. Learners’ beliefs influence their behavior, attitudes, and affect. Increase challenge while providing support.

8. Feedback facilitates learning. Know what is NOT understood. Feedback: Guides learning Reduces uncertainty, increases certainty Increases performance modification Enhances motivation and coping skills Encourage study groups and peer feedback.

Have a great semester!