At VietprEducation, we believe that empowering students with effective learning strategies is crucial for their academic success and lifelong learning journey. However, the question remains: should learning strategies be taught explicitly? This article explores the benefits, challenges, and effective techniques of explicitly teaching learning strategies, providing valuable insights for educators seeking to cultivate independent and successful learners.
| Benefit | Challenge | Effective Technique |
|---|---|---|
| Improved academic performance | Lack of time and resources | Incorporate learning strategies into daily lessons |
| Increased learner independence | Resistance from students | Provide clear rationale and examples |
| Enhanced critical thinking skills | Difficulty assessing student progress | Use formative assessments to track progress |
| Greater motivation and engagement | Lack of teacher training | Professional development opportunities for teachers |
I. What are Learning Strategies?
Learning Strategies: A Definition
Learning strategies are conscious techniques or behaviors used by students to facilitate the processing and retention of information and skills. They are means by which learners activate their prior knowledge, organize new information, and relate new information to existing schemas. Effective learning strategies contribute to more efficient and productive learning.
Types of Learning Strategies
There are two broad types of learning strategies: surface strategies and deep strategies. Surface strategies focus on memorizing information in order to perform well on tests. Deep strategies involve a deeper understanding of the material and are aimed at long-term retention and application of knowledge. Examples of surface strategies include highlighting, underlining, and rereading. Examples of deep strategies include summarizing, creating concept maps, and engaging in problem-solving activities. Learn more about different learning strategies here.
| Highlighting | Summarizing |
| Underlining | Creating concept maps |
| Rereading | Problem-solving |
| Memorizing | Critical thinking |
The Importance of Learning Strategies
Learning strategies are important because they help students to:
-
Organize and retain information efficiently
-
Develop critical thinking skills
-
Become more independent learners
-
Achieve academic success
Explore common learning strategies in this article.
II. Why Should Learning Strategies Be Taught Explicitly?
Improved Academic Performance
Teaching learning strategies explicitly has been found to have a positive impact on students’ academic performance. By providing students with the tools and techniques they need to learn effectively, teachers can help them to:
- Become more efficient and effective learners
- Retain information more easily
- Apply their learning to new situations
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Become more motivated and engaged in their learning
Evidence of the correlation between explicit instruction of learning strategies and student outcomes
Increased Learner Independence
When students are taught learning strategies explicitly, they develop the skills they need to become more independent learners. This means that they are able to:
- Take more responsibility for their own learning
- Set goals and track their progress
- Manage their time and resources effectively
- Seek help when they need it
- Continue learning throughout their lives
Enhanced Critical Thinking Skills
Learning strategies that emphasize critical thinking skills, such as problem-solving, decision-making, and analysis, can help students to:
- Develop the ability to think critically and solve problems
- Make informed decisions
- Evaluate information and arguments
- Formulate and defend their own opinions
- Become more adaptable and flexible thinkers
III. Benefits of Teaching Learning Strategies Explicitly
Teaching learning strategies explicitly offers numerous advantages to students, educators, and the overall learning environment. Here are some key benefits:
- Improved Academic Performance: Studies have demonstrated a strong correlation between explicit instruction of learning strategies and improved academic outcomes. Students who receive explicit instruction in learning strategies tend to perform better on assessments, exams, and standardized tests, demonstrating a deeper understanding of concepts and improved problem-solving abilities.
- Increased Learner Independence: Explicit instruction in learning strategies empowers students to become more independent learners. They develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage their learning, monitor their progress, and adapt their strategies to different learning contexts. This fosters a sense of autonomy and self-efficacy.
- Enhanced Critical Thinking Skills: Learning strategies explicitly help students develop higher-order thinking skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making. By learning and applying effective learning strategies, they learn to analyze information, evaluate evidence, and make informed decisions.
- Greater Motivation and Engagement: When students are equipped with effective learning strategies, they become more engaged in the learning process and exhibit greater motivation to learn. They understand the value of learning and are more likely to persist in the face of challenges, leading to increased academic success.
| Related Post | Anchor Text |
|---|---|
| Where to Learn Artificial Intelligence? | Learn Artificial Intelligence |
| Which Learning Style is Best? | Best Learning Style |
IV. Challenges of Teaching Learning Strategies Explicitly
Despite the numerous benefits of explicitly teaching learning strategies, there are also several challenges that educators may encounter.
Lack of Time and Resources
One of the primary challenges is the lack of time and resources. Teachers often have packed schedules and limited resources, making it difficult to dedicate sufficient time to explicitly teaching learning strategies. Additionally, schools may not have the necessary resources, such as materials and professional development opportunities, to support teachers in this endeavor.
- Related Post: Are Learning Styles Real?
- Related Post: Are Learning Disabilities Genetic?
Resistance from Students
Another challenge is resistance from students. Some students may be resistant to learning new strategies, especially if they are accustomed to their current learning methods. They may view explicit instruction as unnecessary or boring, and may be reluctant to change their approach.
- Related Post: Are Learning Disabilities Neurological?
- Related Post: Are Learning in Spanish?
Difficulty Assessing Student Progress
Assessing student progress in learning strategies can also be challenging. Traditional assessment methods, such as tests and quizzes, may not accurately measure students’ ability to apply learning strategies in different contexts. Teachers need to develop effective assessment tools that can capture students’ growth in this area.
- Related Post: Are Learning Disorders Genetic?
- Related Post: Are Learning Disabilities Intellectual Disabilities?
Lack of Teacher Training
Many teachers may not have received adequate training in how to explicitly teach learning strategies. This can lead to ineffective instruction and a lack of understanding of how to adapt strategies to different learning styles and needs.
- Related Post: Are Learning Disabilities Developmental Disabilities?
- Related Post: Are Learning Outcomes and Objectives the Same?
V. How to Teach Learning Strategies Explicitly
Provide Clear Instruction and Examples
- Clearly explain the learning strategy, its benefits, and how to use it.
- Provide real-life examples and scenarios to illustrate the strategy’s application.
- Demonstrate the strategy step-by-step, modeling its use in a practical context.
Create Opportunities for Practice
- Design activities and exercises that allow students to practice the strategy in a safe and supportive environment.
- Encourage students to apply the strategy independently and in various learning contexts.
- Provide feedback and support as students practice the strategy, helping them refine their skills.
Promote Metacognition and Reflection
Help students develop metacognitive skills by encouraging them to reflect on their learning strategies. Guide them to:
- Identify the strategies they used.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of those strategies.
- Make adjustments to their strategies based on their reflections.
Incorporate into Daily Lessons
- Integrate learning strategies into daily lesson plans and activities.
- Provide ongoing opportunities for students to practice and apply these strategies across different subjects and tasks.
- Encourage teachers to model and scaffold the use of learning strategies throughout instruction.
Assessment and Feedback
- Use formative assessments to monitor students’ progress and identify areas where they need additional support.
- Provide specific and targeted feedback to help students improve their use of learning strategies.
- Encourage students to self-assess their learning strategies and set goals for improvement.
Are Learning Disabilities Neurological
VI. Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision of whether learning strategies should be taught explicitly is a complex one that requires careful consideration of the benefits, challenges, and effective techniques involved. By explicitly teaching learning strategies, educators can empower students to become more independent and successful learners, fostering a lifelong love for learning. However, it is important to address the challenges associated with this approach, such as lack of time and resources, resistance from students, and the need for teacher training. By implementing effective techniques, such as incorporating learning strategies into daily lessons, providing clear rationale and examples, and using formative assessments to track progress, educators can overcome these challenges and reap the rewards of explicit instruction in learning strategies.
Explore our related posts to delve deeper into the world of learning and education:
- Are Learning Styles Real?
- Are Learning Disabilities Genetic?
- Are Learning Disabilities Neurological?
