Learning Theory & Study Strategies

Readings

• How the Brain Learns - Chapter 3 (Memory, Retention, and Learning) 

• Improving Students’ Learning With Effective Learning Techniques

Activities

Remembering

• Name everyone in the class

• How good are you at remembering names?

  • Another name test

• "Man Sentence" Elaboration Demonstration

Theory Research

• Get into groups of 3-4 (Teaching Tool: Jigsaw)

  • Each group will be assigned a theory

    • Does Collaborative Learning Influence Persistence to the Second Year of College?

    • Active learning increases student performance in science, engineering, and mathematics

    • Measuring actual learning versus feeling of learning in response to being actively engaged in the classroom

    • On Students’ (Mis)judgments of Learning and Teaching Effectiveness

    • Transforming Undergraduate Science Education With Learning Assistants: Student Satisfaction in Large-Enrollment Course

    • How Vygotsky Defined the Zone of Proximal Development 

  • You will have 10 minutes to:

    • Research your theory 

    • Discuss, within your groups, the following:

      • The practitioner and top principles of the theory

      • How that theory might be applied to your current position as an LA:

        • How it impacts working with adult learners (your students in class)

        • How it is useful in collaborating with students

        • How it aligns with a behavior or strategy that is useful as an LA

  • Each group will share key takeaways

Resource Referral

A student comes to you asking for resources to help them improve their studying. What do you suggest?

Sell a Skill

Create a plan to "sell" one of these study skills to your students

• SQ3R Reading Comprehension

• Quick Study Tips

• Anti-Cramming Test Prep

Links and Resources

• Thinking Fast and Slow

• Selective Attention Test

• How our brains make memories - Smithsonian Magazine

• How understanding your brain can help you learn

• Rules of Good Studying— by Dr. Oakley