Keys to Effective Learning

brain filters through which sensory information enters the brain and is sent to short-term memory

the brain's temporary information storehouse in which information remains for a few seconds

the brain's permanent information storehouse from which information can be retrieved

This area stores information about procedures, or, in other words, how to do things. It takes awhile to develop these memories, but they are difficult to lose.

Memories of facts, concepts, formulas, ect. are stored here. These are relatively easy to learn but are easy to forget without continual review.

Memories of events linked to personal experiences are stored here.

5 senses, sensory registers, short-term memory, rehearsal, long-term memory, retrieval

the junction through which brain cells communicate

movement of information into the sensory registers, short-term memory and long-term memory, then back again into short-term memory strengthens the connections among these brain cells

have purpose, intention and emotional connection, understand what you memorize, use critical thinking, limit and organize the items you are processing, recite, rehearse, and write, study during short, frequent sessions, practice the middle, use flash cards, use audio strategies, use the information

separate main points from unimportant details, divide material into manageable sections, use organizational tools

placing disconnected information into smaller units that are easier to remember

memory techniques that use vivid associations and acronyms to link new information to what you already know

create visual images and associations, use visual images to remember items in a list, create a vocabulary cartoon, create acronyms, use songs or rhymes

a word formed from the first letters of a series of words created to help you remember the series

note-and then look beyond-what you see and hear. open your sensory pathways up to all kinds of information. using all five sense as you learn can help you lock information into long-term memory in a meaningful way.

questions are the backbone of learning. they help you see what you do-and don't-understand.

asking questions as you read print and online materials will broaden and anchor your knowledge.

understanding concepts and being able to show your knowledge on exams and use it to solve problems

rapid reading of key chapter elements to get an overview and find main ideas

key to building reading comprehension-survey, question, read, recite, and review

rapid reading in search of specific information

pre-reading a book before studying it-skimming and scanning front matter, chapter elements, and back matter for clues about content and organization

table of contents-chapter titles, main topics, preface

chapter title, chapter introduction, list of objectives, list of key topics, heading, definitions, quotes, questions, exercises, tables, charts, photographs, captions, boldface, italics, underlining, summary

glossary, index, bibliography

developing questions linked to chapter headings and to what you already know

knowledge, understanding, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation

reading to answer Q-stage questions and find main ideas; taking notes as you read or highlighting your text

search for the topic of the paragraph, identify, the aspect of the topic that is the paragraph's focus, find what the author wants you to know about that aspect

is the information stressed in headings, charts, tables, captions, key terms, and definitions. a crucial concept, an example, an explanation, critical relationship, comparison, information stressed in class, in your syllabus

answering, perhaps for a second time, your Q-stage questions; reciting the answers aloud or silently to yourself, teaching them to a study partner, or recording them in writing

your key to learning. learning the material through summarizing notes; answering study questions; writing outlines or think links; reciting concepts, using flash cards, thinking critically

take an active approach to difficult text, learn to concentrate, become emotionally involved, define your reading purpose, spend enough time, expand your course vocabulary

focusing on one topic at a time and avoiding distractions so that you can learn material

don't expect to master material on the first pass, know that some text require extra work and concentration

make studying job #1, know what you will study and for how long before you begin, put aside unrelated thoughts, keep your social like separate, plan a reward, evaluate

read for understanding, read to evaluate critically, read for practical application, read for pleasure