A key to success in college is to become more active in your
learning. Instructors can provide opportunities for learning, but
they cannot learn for you. You can develop and improve your
attitudes, actions, and behaviors in relation to studying. Ask
yourself some of the following questions to determine if you use
passive or active approaches to learning and studying.
In the classroom, do you...
- Arrive on time, with necessary materials, ready to think and
to learn?
- Know the course syllabus, the instructor's expectations and
grading policies, and other important information?
- Complete assignments ahead of time?
- Work hard to focus on the lecturer with an open frame of mind?
- Learn about and use note taking systems that work for you and
your learning styles?
- Ask questions, or write questions in your notes, and
participate in class discussions?
When reading, do you...
- Read with a purpose?
- Constantly question what you read?
- Relate what you are reading to your own experience and
knowledge?
- Use pens or highlighters to mark the text, make notes, draw
graphic organizers, write questions and notes?
- Know how to identify main ideas, important details,
conclusions, and summarize what you have read?
When studying and preparing for tests, do you...
- Know what to study?
- Make a study guide to plan, organize, and condense information
in meaningful ways?
- Create concept maps, time lines, diagrams, comparison charts,
outlines, and other study aids? Summarize and paraphrase
information in your own words?
- Seek out additional resources, such as discussion groups or
tutoring, to understand difficult information?
- Ask the instructor for additional materials or explanations?
These are just a few of the many ways you can develop active
approaches and strategies to learning. If you feel you need to
improve your skills for studying in college, take a College Success
or Study Strategies course, or conduct some independent research.
You can begin your research on the Internet with Study
Skills Websites.
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