(513) 984-1212
(513) 436-6872
[email protected]One of the most important things you can do is learn how you learn. We all learn differently so while some of the following learning strategies might not work for you, at least one will be effective in helping you overcome any struggle you might have with conceptualizing and applying lessons that are Wong taught.
If you learn best through hearing what someone is telling you, being an active listener is an effective strategy that will be beneficial for you. To be an active listener, you should repeat what something means in your own words back to your teacher or tutor. In doing so, listening becomes an active behavior instead of passive. You will be less like to lose focus during class. Active listening is most effective when working one-on-one or in small groups.
Taking notes has been proven to be effective for years. Every person has their own unique way to record notes. However, Cornell University developed a note taking method called “the Cornell method” that is the best and most effective way for students to take notes. In this method, you should draw a line or fold your paper appropriately ¾ of the way down the paper and then draw a line/fold your paper approximately 2 inches in. Use the main portion of the paper to write down your notes during class. On the left hand side, you can write down any questions that were asked in class as well as any pointers that you can use to retain the information. At the bottom of the paper, write a brief summary of the class discussion. This method will help you process the information as you record it multiple ways instead of just one. It will also make studying for exams easier.
If you struggle comprehending what you read, this method will help your break down the information into smaller portions so that it is easily retained. First, glance through all of the material that you are required to read. This will help you get an idea about what your learning so that you can work on predicting what is to come. As you survey the material, you ask your teacher questions to help you understand the importance of what you’re about to learn. Next come the interactive part of your reading: read and recite. While reading, you should begin to find the answers to questions you might have asked yourself or your teacher during the survey and questioning portions of this method. To recite, you should go back through what you read and highlight the key parts. Finally, you move to the continual portion of the method: review. Continuously reviewing the materials while incorporating what you know with the new information you are learning. This method is effective because it helps the reader become an active learner as they interact with the text instead of just reading it and moving on.
George Poyla was a mathematician that worked hard to help those around him understand that all problems could be solved using a heuristic approach. He created a 4 step process that helped simplify problem solving. The first step is to build your understanding of the problem or separate what you know and what you don’t. The next step is to create a plan to test the assumptions you made based on what you understand about the information presented. The third step is to carry out that plan and do the work you said you would. Finally, you should assess your results and record observations. This method can be applied to almost anything.
Learning through the process of doing, or more formally known as, kinesthetic learning is useful for those who ho learn best by completing actions rather than just reading or listening. Fun fact: this is merely 5% of the world’s population. These students tend to struggle with structure classroom learning because they need to be physically completing tasks to learn most effectively. The best way to serve kinesthetic learners is to hire a tutor that can work one-on-one with them. The tutor will have more time to allow students to focus and carry out actions..
Each of these methods can help struggling students regain their confidence and do better in school.
Click one of the locations below to get a free consultation on our math tutoring solutions! Blue Ash | Ft. Mitchell | Loveland | Mason | West Chester
—
Mathnasium is your neighborhood math-only learning center that teaches kids math the way that makes sense to them. Our experienced math tutors utilize our proprietary teaching materials and techniques, The Mathnasium Method™, to deliver a customized learning plan designed to address each student’s needs, whether they started out far behind or are already ahead in math. Our instruction approach goes beyond traditional math tutoring to develop understanding and build a love for math!
