“I am still learning.”

^{quote by MICHELANGELO, AGED 87}

It is important to remember that regardless of what you are learning, there will be a learning curve that must be navigated. There is no right or wrong way to learn, so understanding strategies to help develop and implement learning skills can make the process of learning a more enjoyable experience.

The Nine Principles of Learning

 ^{“The Nine Principles of Learning” created by Kendra Hart at University of Windsor. A review of the nine principles of learning, as outlined by Alexander, P. A., Schallert, D. L., and Reynolds, R. E. in  “What is learning anyway?  A topographical perspective considered“}

Consideration of Prior Learning Experiences

Tips for Academic Success

Attending Class

Regularly attending class helps you maintain a routine, hold yourself accountable, and ensure you don’t miss any important information that lecture slides may not contain. If your class has synchronous components, then that means you are attending a live session, whether online or on campus. If your class has asynchronous components, that means you are expected to complete work on your own within some timeframe… this can be especially challenging for those who have difficulty with time management, so if this is you, be sure to check out the online learning and time management sections of this module.

Be Prepared

• Decide how you are going to take notes and bring required materials (e.g., laptop + charger, extra pens and paper, high lighters, etc.)
• Reviewing your readings prior to class primes you for the material covered in class and will help you meaningfully engage in the course instead of trying to remember every word your instructor says.
  • Make note of questions or confusing concepts so you can seek clarification if necessary.

Pay Attention

We know it’s difficult to maintain your attention sometimes, especially when there are so many opportunities for distraction. This is true both online and in-person — distractions are everywhere.

• Turn your phone on silent or do not disturb and put it away for the duration of class.
  • Turning off your smartwatch notifications might also be useful.

Engage!

• Although it may be intimidating to ask or answer questions in class, especially in large courses, engaging with other students and professors at lectures can help expand on the learning material.
• Students who pay attention and stay engaged report more positive learning experiences and get more out of their education.
• Discussions and activities in the classroom (both among students and between instructors and students) lead to greater mastery of the material, often contributing to stronger performance.
• Establishing connections with your professors and peers can help foster a greater sense of belonging, enhance your engagement, and even inspire your intrinsic motivation.

Videos Highlighting General Learning Skills

Note Taking Strategies:

Strategies for Reading:

Chapter Progress