Did you know that not all people learn the same way? Despite the fact that sometimes schools or teachers approach learning in a "cookie cutter" manner that assumes all of the students come to an understanding of a particular subject in the same way, the truth is that we all have different learning styles. As you discover the best ways to approach studying and preparing for your college coursework, figuring out how you process information (your learning style) can be helpful!
Here are four modes of learning:
- Action ("learning by doing"): papers, projects, creating models, etc.
- Reflection ("learning by thinking"): class discussions, journaling, brainstorming, etc.
- Experience ("learning through involvement"): field work, labs, simulations, homework, etc.
- Abstraction ("learning by observation/reading"): attending lectures, reading text, etc.
Many of your professors/instructors here at the university will incorporate many if not all of these modes of learning into their classrooms. For instance, you may have classes where the professor lectures, requires group work, assigns creative projects, and expects reading and reactions to a text book. The best learning does occur when all four modes are incorporated (by the instructor and the student).
If you are interested in identifying and exploring your learning style, and figuring out what that means for developing a great study strategy, visit the Learning Center online (www.bsu.edu/learningcenter).
