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central to lifelong education than learning the very best ways to learn? Every great teacher realizes that the purpose of education is to acquire the ability to study and efficiently integrate any knowledge that one desires to learn. This requires good reading comprehension strategies, note-taking skills, and much more.
In the introductory lesson, students explore and discuss how their current learning and achievement levels are likely to affect their goals after graduation. In the next three lessons, viewing is integrated with discussion and activities related to various parts of the film. Activities and discussion center around self-evaluation of present study skills, setting goals for improvement, reflecting upon what it means to become a "self-learner," and firmly grasping the concept of why it is so important to become one. Students also begin to increase their pleasure reading and explore the role that parents may be able to play in helping them to "study smarter."
Lesson five is devoted to organizational habits. Students learn effective time management tips and begin to use materials such as daily and weekly planners that help them streamline the study process and save time. Lesson six focuses on improving one's listening and concentration skills. In lesson seven, students learn our top ten note taking tips, practice a variety of abbreviation skills, and apply the Cornell Method of note taking. Lesson eight explores concept mapping and alternative note taking approaches. In lesson nine, students review and practice the SQ3R Method as well as compare the three basic styles of learning. They also learn how to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of online information. The final lesson focuses on test taking skills, including the most effective methods for studying for tests, decreasing test anxiety and improving performance.
"When Mary completed the guides and I read them," says Dan, "I was almost in a state of shock. They complemented the program so perfectly, so seamlessly, that it was hard to believe they were written after the video materials were produced. They really exceeded my highest expectations."
Mary adds, "Dan and I were clearly on the same wave-length regarding the importance of teaching these skills--not just to improve grades during the school years, but to improve one's ability to learn and achieve goals throughout life. I believe Dan's video program and my teacher's manual accomplish this purpose and make it much easier for teachers to help their students "learn to learn."
Learn more about author Mary L. Dennis.
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