One of the most important abilities a learner can develop is how to learn. The problem with that is that not every student learns in the same manner. Effective learning techniques may not all apply to a given student, but at least one of them—and probably more—can assist a struggling student to improve their performance.
We know learning can be quite challenging and tricky but with these strategies, students get a greater understanding of the lessons and have longer retention of the knowledge.
- Active Listening. This is a fantastic learning technique for people who retain information best when it is spoken aloud to them. During active listening, a student repeats back to a teacher what something means in his or her own words. Responding to each new point turns listening into an active behavior as opposed to a passive one. When the student is expected to respond to the teacher’s speech, he is less likely to let his thoughts wander during class. In one-on-one learning settings with tutors and study groups, this tactic is very effective.
- Retrieval Practice. This is yet another successful learning technique that will undoubtedly improve the way students learn. It will be easier for the students to recall what they have learned if they are asked to do so without the aid of any materials or textbooks.
- Elaboration. Presenting information in light of any prior knowledge a student may have is the process of elaboration. Students will be able to learn more effectively when they can make connections between the concepts.
- Note taking. A tried-and-true method of learning is taking notes, and each student seems to have a special method for doing so. This method enables students to quickly process the material being taught.
- Using examples. Giving your students actual examples as a teacher or tutor will simplify concepts and speed up learning for the students.
A struggling student is more often capable of improving their grades and accomplishing academic success by attempting each of or all of these strategies. I hope this blog has offered some guidance and been helpful.