Learning is forever.

AuthorNeuman, Robert R.
PositionEducation

LEARNING is a highly valued, critical workplace and life skill. So, how do you explain to kids the relationship between being an efficient learner and success?

"Doing homework" is a grade-school concept that transitions to "the need to study" once students reach middle school. At that point, the task of learning should become more independent and self-sufficient. During these formative years, and in high school, personal learning methods must mature as material becomes more difficult. Learning now occurs during and outside of class.

To prepare for class, students should familiarize themselves with the content of the upcoming session. Read a day ahead in the textbook. Take notes. The class presentation then gives you a review of what you already have read. You have "touched" the material twice. Listen in class. Add to your notes. Do not be afraid to ask clarifying questions. Stay engaged. Contribute to discussions. Rewrite class notes later. Devise memory helpers such as charts and timelines.

Each year, students should study more and hone their study habits. Learning methods do not stagnate. Some college-bound seniors still are utilizing sixth-grade study methods. Professors expect independent learning, and many incoming students are not prepared--no wonder just one in three college students graduate on time. College students typically will have readings to complete for every class. Readings and studying take time, concentration, dedication, and goals. Good studiers can handle the workload.

Students need to understand the difference between long- and short-term memory. For instance, a student listens passively as the teacher presents a unit in high school. The student then crams for the unit test, remembers the information long enough to do well on the test, and then forgets it. This is short-term learning. The needed information disappears long before the student gets to college. However, a college professor expects the student to know the information.

Lacking life experience, younger students do not yet see the value of some courses and do not take steps to remember the information. That is simple immaturity, and parents need to help their offspring with that. If parents casually tell stories about how they have employed information that they thought was useless as a kid, they will help change their children's minds over time. This is why talking to your kids about your life is so important. They will listen to your stories. The lessons...

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