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Online Education - Learning Strategies for Success

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May 9, 2012 Eve Hullett, Distance-Education.org Columnist | 0 Comments

Human learning occurs at every waking moment until the last tick of the day before falling asleep. Learning is the conscious act of acquiring new and existing knowledge, behaviors, values, and skills. Academic learning occurs in an educational environment, usually by applying a variety of learning strategies. Learning strategies assist students in directing certain approaches for achieving different learning objectives, such as listening, comprehending, retaining, and regurgitating information before, during, and after a formal presentation. Some of these strategies may include efficient test taking methods, memory exercises, relaxation techniques, mind mapping, critical and active reading, effective research skills, and goal planning for success.

Strategical learning only works if the student applies it at their own pace, and within the context of their individual learning styles. Learning styles involve preferred approaches to educational material that allow the student to fully comprehend the course curriculum. Each student has their own preferred method of identifying, processing, retaining, and regurgitating learned material through a variety of stimuli. For instance, a niche group of students require visual aids, such as flash cards, charted graphs, and detailed diagrams that demonstrate the core principles of the course material. Others need hearing aids, such as pre-recorded lectures, audio books, and podcasts of relevant study material. Accelerated learning techniques, such as mind mapping, speed reading, active reading, and peer-reviewed note taking. Students can also use an array of resources available on the Internet to get the most of their academic career. Some of these resources may even be available to them for free.

Proponents of strategical learning believe that teachers should assess the learning styles of their students and then introduce the course material accordingly. While it may help to have teachers incorporate these learning techniques throughout the course of the semester, it is ultimately the student's responsibility to utilize these strategies in their time off. If all else fails, some students may need to seek the assistance of tutoring services to accomplish their goals. The success of a student's academic career mainly depends on the individual's determination and effort. If the student fails to engage in the course material, or even wrongfully uses the recommended strategies, then it can actually work against the student's overall academic progress. In addition, student's should maintain a healthy balance of fun without over stressing themselves. A large part of academic success stems from maintaining healthy relationships with family and friends, eating right, getting plenty of exercise, getting plenty of sleep, and enjoying life. The same concept applies while studying for tests. Do not ceaselessly study, otherwise it may prove counterproductive in the long run. In other words, do not ignore the basic necessities of life in order to improve academically. As the old adage goes, “Work to live, not live to work!”

Follow these links to learn more about different learning strategies for students:

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Eve Hullett

With years of experience in the field of non-profit education, Eve has done it all. From teaching to tutoring, Eve has worked with hundreds of students to help them succeed in their pursuit of a college education. Today, when Eve is not enjoying a day of hiking, she spends her time writing articles on the strategies and methods of being a good student and fulfilling your goals for a college education.

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