Study Notes on Learning How to Learn

Prologue: Learning How to Learn

  • Adapted from the work of Danny L. Hudson and Brooke L. Weisenhunt.

Learning Objectives

  • Objective P One: Distinguish between effective and ineffective study strategies based on the science of learning.

Introduction to the Course

  • Expectations and Goals:

    • Consider personal motivations for taking the course:

    • Fulfilling a course requirement.

    • Beginning a new career.

    • Interested in making a career change.

    • Recognize that an introductory course offers a broad overview of psychology.

    • Acknowledge the potential for the course to both confirm and challenge pre-existing beliefs and intuitions regarding human behavior.

Importance of Learning in Psychology

  • This introductory psychology program centers around learning as a primary focus.

  • There exists a substantial body of scholarly evidence regarding effective and ineffective learning strategies.

  • The course materials are designed utilizing insights derived from cognitive science and educational research.

Evidence-Based Approach

  • Definition of Evidence-Based:

    • The development and creation of learning materials are informed by scientific literature.

    • The effectiveness of program features has undergone testing to ensure significant improvements in student learning.

  • Two Key Components of Evidence-Based Learning in this Program:

    1. Features represent best practices for learning, established through research.

    2. Evidence confirms that these features lead to measurable improvements in learning among students.

Benefits of Taking a Psychology Course

  • Engaging in a psychology course is designed to enhance all other coursework.

  • Application of Psychological Concepts:

    • Learning psychological principles can improve individual learning, studying, and memory skills.

  • The course contains chapters intended to assist students in understanding human learning and memory processes thoroughly.

Reflection on Personal Learning Strategies

  • Students are prompted to reflect on prior educational experiences:

    • Consider different study techniques that have been commonly used in preparation for exams.

    • Examine which study technique feels most effective based on previous experiences.

  • The exercise encourages introspection and evaluation of personal study methods and their effectiveness in the context of learning psychology.