In Module 2 we focused on learning, how we are constantly
learning new things, how it is beneficial to have a growth
mindset approach to learning, and how it is helpful to reflect on
our strategies as a learner. As you reflect on these strategies,
think about how you previously learned a new skill, subject, or
process in an informal setting. When we often think of learning,
we focus on formal settings–your high school classroom, an
online class you took, military training, or a bootcamp for a
certification exam. Informal learning experiences can teach us
quite a bit, though. What strategies and approaches did you use
in your informal learning experience? How can you
apply those to learning new concepts and skills while you’re a
student at University of Maryland Global Campus? Even if the
university environment is new to you, you come to learning with
skills, strengths, and strategies you can draw from to connect
new knowledge to what you already know.
For example, think about how you learned to cook a new dish by
following a recipe. Perhaps you first blocked out time to read the
recipe all the way through, noting the ingredients and tools
you would need to make the dish. When it came time to make
the dish, you might have followed the recipe step by step, then
asked your partner or a friend to taste it and share his or
her opinion. Based on that feedback, you adjusted and
customized the recipe. After that, you practiced making the dish
several times, adding your own flavors and spices to perfect the
recipe to your liking. Once you became familiar with the recipe,
you may have progressed to making the dish from memory.
As a university student, you can apply this same learning
process and strategy to your academics. Let’s look at the
correlation between the two. When you are learning a new
concept or skill in one of your courses, first, set aside time in
your schedule to learn. Next, read about the topic and take
notes to deepen your understanding. Practice what you learned,
maybe by using flashcards or completing a set of exercises.
Next, share what you learned with others, such as your
instructor or classmates, to get their feedback on your work
and to enhance your learning from their input. Finally, practice a
few more times until you can readily transfer what you learned
to different contexts.
For this assignment, take some time to reflect on the following
questions:
1. Consider a learning experience – either recent or further back –
that was successful for you. Thinking back to the experience
that you went through, what were you able to learn?
2. What specific strategies, skills, and/or support systems did you
either use or rely on that actively helped you succeed in your
learning? Consider two to three strategies that helped.
