Identifying One's Own Approach to Learning

Many of us have a general sense of how we learn best.  For example, you may found that you seem to remember concepts better when you have heard them during a lecture instead of reading them from a book.  Nevertheless, you should be skeptical about the concept of learning styles.   A very good discussion of the limits of 'learning styles' can be found here.

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To begin with,  you should be familiar with the concept of academic integrity.   Academic integrity means being honest.   It means not representing something as your own work when iis not.  That is called plagiarism.  (add link to a definition of plagiarism).

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There are several advantages when you choose to act with integrity.  Primarily you will experience heightened self-esteem and you are likely to learn more. (Carter, et al.,  p. 22)

 

A video of students discussing what academic integrity means to them can be found here.  An extended discussion of academic integrity and why it is important can be found here  ( pages 19-22 of the book, Keys to Effective Learning ( Carter, Bishop and Kravits, 5th edition, 2008).

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Beyond your learning style preferences and your commitment to academic integrity, you should consider your motivation for learning.   Are you trying to learn for its own sake, or are you taking a specific course because it is a step along the way to learning a specific trade?  You can ask yourself, "What are my short term and long term goals for learning"?   

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Possible Selves is a program for students that involves working with a tutor.  It is designed to increase your motivation by helping you examine your future and think about goals that are important to you. If academic motivation is an issue for you, it is strongly suggested that you find a tutor and work though the Possible Selves program with them. The program is available here.

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