LEARNING STRATEGIESPeter Walsh

McMaster Centre for Student Development

http://csd.mcmaster.ca/

Agenda

! Overview of learning cycle

! Methods for each stage" Abstract conceptualization

" Active experimentation

" Concrete experience

" Reflective observation

! Q/A

Kolb Learning Cycle

Kolb Learning Cycle1

(1) http://www.ldu.leeds.ac.uk/ldu/sddu_multimedia/kolb/static_version.php

Entry points

! School " Abstract theory -> try it out in an experiment ->

concrete experience of its effectiveness -> reflect on the experience and connect back to theory (abstraction starts again).

! Life" Concrete experience - > reflect on it -> make an

informal theory about it (e.g., ascribe meaning or interpretation) -> test it out in “real life” to see if it works -> leads to a new experience and the cycle starts again.

Kolb in Perspective

! May have a preference as to where you start.

! Best learning happens when you complete the entire cycle.

! Not the same as ability or aptitude (e.g., multiple intelligences idea).

! Not the same as a learning style.

Abstract Conceptualization

The Big Four Learning Impairments

1. Passive learning (cf. elaborative rehearsal)

2. Fact Focus (cf. Concept Focus)

3. Superficial Learning (cf. analytic, synthetic and critical learning)

4. Intolerance of Confusion

Information Processing Model

INFO

Short Term Memory

Long Term Memory

Rehearse

Elaborate

30 Seconds

OUT & GONE

See Your Memory: How It Works & How to Improve It , by Kenneth Higbee (2001) for a comprehensive, easy to read, and scholarly treatment of memory, memory myths, and memory strategies.

Elaborative Rehearsal

! Use both learning “channels”" Elaborate knowledge on “input”

! Make connections, draw pictures, make diagrams, talk yourself through it, dialog with the text, ask questions, seek answers, dig deeper, get critical.

" Rehearse by self testing (“output”). ! Can you repeat your understanding, can you tell a

friend, can clearly articulate the idea in your head, can you use it to solve a problem, can you apply it to a case/situation/example, can you recognize the “problem type”

Abstract Conceptual

! About concepts, theories, or models.

! Levels of Abstraction" Data, Facts, Definitions, Axioms

" Concepts and Theories (organized facts)

" Conceptual Frameworks or Methods of Analysis (“ways of seeing the world”)

The Learning Roller-Coaster

First Get Assignment

Interested

Uncertainty

Optimism

Confusion

Direction & Understanding

Satisfaction

Dissatisfaction

Vague Clarity

Neg

ativ

e em

oti

on

s

P

osi

tiv

e em

oti

on

s

Adapted from the theory of Information Search Process by Kuhlthau (2004), In Choo, C.W. (2006), The knowing organization (2nd ed.).

Procrastination Motivation

Key Word

Key Word

Key Word

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------

• --------------

•------------

• -----------

-----------------------------------------------------------

Key Word

Key WordKey Word or BAM Method of Note Taking for Active Rehearsal and Self Testing

QuestionANSWER

Question

Question

Question

ANSWER

ANSWER

ANSWER

Used with permission, Dr. Dick Day, actual 2nd year undergraduate psychology notes

Summary Point Form Note written after lecture

n.b. indents and outline format

Used with permission, Dr. Dick Day, actual 2nd year undergraduate psychology notes

Two Column with Point Form and Diagrams

Used with permission. Peter Walsh, actual vertebrate biology class note (~1991)

Used with permission. Peter Walsh, vertebrate biology class note (~1991)

Two Column with Mind Mapping

n.b. number of concepts that must be recalled in parentheses

Back side of a Two Column Note using a Grid Information Map to summarize approx. 10 pages of material.

Used with permission. Peter Walsh, actual vertebrate biology class note (~1991)

Concept Word/

Question

Marginal notes, post its, and underlining/ highlighting

Marginal notes by Peter Walsh (2002). Text: Myers, D. (1991). Social Psychology (6th ed.). NY: McGraw-Hill. P 274-275.

Active Experimentation

Active Experimentation

! Involves planning, testing, and brainstorming.

! Procedural knowledge (how to do something)" E.g., of using a search database, or software.

! Usually involves “play” and/or “immersion”

Active Experimentation Strategies

! Steps or procedures lists

! Flow charts/ diagrams of processes

! Mind mapping (to uncover ideas/brainstorm)

Allen, D. (2001), p 36. Getting things done.: The art of stress free productivity. New York, NY: Penguin.

http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.lc.unsw.edu.au/case_study/images/mindmap.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.lc.unsw.edu.au/case_study/3a1.htm&usg=__YAjHQDc8t5t09PZO1jWqQoscUMI=&h=360&w=679&sz=19&hl=en&start=2&um=1&tbnid=aXdDrou2UG7wAM:&tbnh=74&tbnw=139&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmind%2Bmap%2Bexamples%2Bimages%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1

http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://sharedvisions.com/reviews/mmapx1-l.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.shared-visions.com/%3Faction%3Dreview%26ISBN%3D0452273226&usg=__-ndmWl1z1FhTz3wRVQqiBzQdHTk=&h=547&w=687&sz=88&hl=en&start=33&um=1&tbnid=LxirMyNHl9QxuM:&tbnh=111&tbnw=139&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmind%2Bmap%2Bexamples%2Bimages%26ndsp%3D18%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN%26start%3D18%26um%3D1

Mind Mapping

! Inspirations Software" http://www.inspiration.com/ " On all Learning Commons computers (Mills)

! Video on how to do it" http://maclife.mcmaster.ca/academicskills/

videos.cfm?videofilename=2006_CK_maps&totaltime=214&workshop=CSD&videoname=CK%20Maps&size=lg

! Some websites with information" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map

! The famous mind mapping book

Concrete Experience

Concrete Experience Strategies

! If it is something you have access to (e.g., software, database), then immerse yourself in it (repeated contact over time). " Give yourself occasional “booster sessions”

! If it is something that you can not access (e.g., a student question/concern), then visualize doing it (practice in your imagination). " Consider roleplaying

Reflective Observation

Reflective Observation

! Expertise arises through ongoing reflection

! Sustained engagement required for the development of the highest levels of expertise" e.g., “10 year rule” and 10,000 hours rule in music,

art, chess, and sports.

! Mere repetition of a skills is insufficient to improve expertise at it. Attention during action is key.

Why is Reflection is so Important

! Recent research links incompetence to weaknesses in meta-cognitive (i.e., reflection) skills*.

! Specifically, it was found that failure to monitor competence lead to incompetence and self deception about one’s abilities.

! Further, training in meta-cognitive skills increased competence.

* Kruger, J. & Dunning, D. (1999). Unskilled and unaware of it. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 77, 1121-1134.

Reflection Strategies

! During the experience, pay attention to it. “Be present”.

! Seek feedback from peers (peer review) or other objective/external means.

! Reflection Journals (common in academic)

! Can be just a few moments to go over the experience in your mind/imagination.

Questions/ Answers

References

! Kolb Learning Styels" http://www.ldu.leeds.ac.uk/ldu/sddu_multimedia/kolb/static_version.php

" http://www.learningandteaching.info/learning/experience.htm#Experiential%20Learning%20Styles

" http://www.businessballs.com/kolblearningstyles.htm