# Student Success/Learning Strategies

This lesson introduces learning strategies. In this lesson you will learn about the learning process, preparing for class, the importance of class attendance, and effective learning strategies.

## Objectives and Skills

Objectives and skills for this lesson include:
* Define learning styles, and identify your preferred learning style(s)
* Identify effective mental and physical strategies to prepare for an individual class session
* Explain why regular class attendance class is important
* Identify effective learning strategies
* Differentiate between short-term and long-term memory, and describe the role of each in effective studying
* Identify resources for applying active learning strategies to your studies, both in and out of the classroom

## Readings

* Lumen: College Success - The Learning Process
* Lumen: College Success - Class Preparation
* Lumen: College Success - Class Attendance
* Lumen: College Success - The Role of Memory
* Lumen: College Success - Active Learning

## Multimedia

* YouTube: Front Flip progression - 1 Day
* YouTube: Discover Your Learning Style and Optimize Your Self Study
* YouTube: How to Balance School and Work: 5 Strategies for Academic Success
* YouTube: Effective Notetaking
* YouTube: "Studying Advice: Tips for College Students" StudentMentor.org's Student Video Blog Series
* YouTube: How To Use A Mind Map
* YouTube: Annotate it!

## Activities

* Explore student services.
** Contact Student Success Services to learn about learning strategy resources.
** Contact the Tutoring Center to learn which classes have tutors available and what the process is for meeting with a tutor.
* Identify your preferred learning style(s).
** Review Lumen: College Success - Assignment: The Learning Process.
** Complete the VARK Questionnaire.
** Describe your preferred learning style(s) and how this will impact how you approach your studies.
* Update your weekly schedule.
** Review Lumen: College Success - Assignment: Class Preparation.
** Now that you have a better understanding of how much study time each of your courses will require, update your weekly schedule as necessary.
* Create a study guide.
** Review Lumen: College Success - Assignment: Class Attendance.
** Work with a team of classmates to create a Wikiversity study guide for one of your courses.
* Plan learning strategies.
** Review Lumen: College Success - Assignment: The Role of Memory.
** Consider your course schedule and any anticipated learning challenges this semester.
** Consider available resources, including study groups, success services, tutoring, and office hours.
** What learning strategies can you apply this semester to improve your success?
* Blog / Journal / Wiki
** Update your blog, journal, or wiki page summarizing your experience this week. Include a list of resources and links or contact information for each resource.

## Lesson Summary
### The Learning Process

Stages of the learning process include:
* Unconscious incompetence - you don't know what you don't know
* Conscious incompetence - you know what you don't know
* Conscious competence - you know what you know
* Unconscious competence - you know it so well you don't have to think about it
Learning styles include:
* Visual - see (images and multimedia)
* Auditory - hear
* Read/Write - see (words)
* Kinesthetic - do

### Class Preparation

To prepare for class physically and mentally:
* Eat healthy meals and snacks
* Exercise regularly
* Get enough sleep
* Manage stress
* Talk to guidance counselors or instructors
* Understand class- and study-time ratios
* Start with fixed time commitments
* Consider your studying and homework habits
* Plan ahead
* Consider leisure time

### Class Attendance

Class attendance enhances performance:
* Class participation
* Class interaction
* Interaction with the instructor
* Increased learning
Getting the most out of class time involves listening effectively, engaging with the speaker and the material you hear in an active way.
Effective participation strategies include:
* Be a team player
* Share meaningful questions and comments
* Be prepared
Note-taking recommendations include:
* Stay organized
* Use visual cues
* Group together similar concepts
* Make notes legible
Common teaching styles include:
* Authority style
* Demonstrator style
* Facilitator style
* Delegator style
* Hybrid style
If you need to miss class:
* Plan in advance
* Talk to fellow students
* Do the reading assignment(s) and any other homework
* Contact your instructor

### The Role of Memory

Strategies for effective learning include:
* Think about concepts rather than facts
* Take cues from your instructor
* Look for key terms
* Use summaries
To enhance memory:
* Start reviewing new material immediately
* Study frequently for shorter periods of time
* Use repetition
Strategies to aid memory include:
* Incorporate visuals
* Create mnemonics
* Get quality sleep
* Connect new information to old information

### Active Learning

Activities that facilitate active engagement in the classroom include:
* Class discussions
* Writing assignments
* Student-led teaching
Strategies for active learning on your own include:
* Write in your books
* Annotate a text
* Create mind maps
When reading, focus on:
* Context - big picture
* Audience - who
* Purpose - what
* Organization - how
* Tone - emotions
* Tools - support
* Thesis - main idea
Foster an attitude of intellectual curiosity.

## Key Terms
### multimodal learning

    Applying more than one learning style.

## See Also

* University of Iowa: Tips For Participating In Class Discussions
* Stetson University: 10 Memory Principles