Importance Of Active Learning

Self-directed learners use what they have learned by applying the information in all aspects of their lives. Intrinsically motivated learners learn for enjoyment or because the topic interests them. According to Everett Community College, “active learning requires students to do meaningful learning activities and think about what they are doing” (Active Learning, n.d. https://www.everettcc.edu/files/administration/institutional-effectiveness/institutional-research/outcomeassess-active-learning.pdf). Active learners use activities such as mapping or graphing, really listening to what is said, and writing to effectively communicate their thoughts and ideas. Becoming a lifelong learner and taking responsibility for your own learning are aspects

I am always asking why, how, who, and when. Constantly, my husband tells me I am worse than a two year old that has just learned the word why. As far as self-confidence, I was taught from a young age that anything is possible, and with hard work I could become anything. There is nothing in this world, I cannot accomplish; I just have to decide to want to do it. Weaknesses that I have as a self-motivated learner include organization and setting an appropriate pace for learning. By nature, I am not an organized person, if my desk is a mess, I can find anything; on the other hand, if everything is put away, I can find nothing. When doing school work, I have a tendency to try and get everything done in one sitting. Once I start on the assignments, I do not want to stop until everything is done. Knowing that taking breaks helps to retain information, I still try to accomplish everything at once.

Strategies and Implementation

1. Space my learning – instead of trying to accomplish everything in one setting I

Schedule my learning times around other duties, i.e. work, meals, husband

i. Do not allow myself to try to study while cooking or cleaning ii. Make sure that I spend time with my husband while he is home (he is a truck driver that is only home for 36 hours a week)

b. Set a schedule for study time and play time.

i. Set a schedule for study times ii. Leave room in the schedule for time with friends

3. Intensify my curiosity

a. Ask questions of myself and others

i. After reading ask myself how this applies to my personal and professional life ii. Discuss the material with other students, family, or friends see how they think it could be used in life

b. Find ways to make the material more interesting for me.

i. When something doesn’t appeal to me, find something I enjoy and think about how this material can be used in that joyous task

4. Become more responsible for my learning.

a. Making sure I understand the material I am studying.

i. Read and reread ii. Ask questions

b. Find ways to utilize what I learn in other areas of my life.

i. To apply what I learn in my occupation

5. Use basic study skills

a. Reacquaint myself with good study skills (I have been out of high school for over 20 years)

i. Reading

1. Read once, then read again taking