STUDY > LEARN > MASTER

Accepting reality is the first step.

3 Parables: 24 papers, Tatooine and Algebra | a video by Darrell Barnes

The following practices are favorable in the fullness of time; when the resources match the task at hand.

How we roll:

Highlighting words and pictures in the book promotes literacy. When we don’t understand a word, we make a note of it and learn the definition; it is Googled; it is searched in a dictionary. Through highlighting, we have more time for exploration and deep learning. Highlighting buys us time to access more resources for learning in the time we have together. We do not spend our classroom time together frantically taking notes. Highlighting allows us to cover voluminous amounts of information in a short time; this is especially true with majors-level classes. Glancing back and forth at our assignments and our grades keeps us tuned-in to what comes next. We plan ahead. Making sure the notifications to us have a clear pathway is crucial.

We look at pictures, illustrations and tables in the textbook to gain more understanding of the written text and vice versa.

It is expected that you will go home and rewrite the items we highlight (or at times, the write-ins). Some highlights apply only to the upcoming test and some apply to the current test AND the final. When a paragraph is perused, is a bold word present, especially one that corresponds to a nearby picture? Is there a theme, a concept which is repeated? These are clues. When an incomprehensible word or concept is encountered, the reading is scanned before and after to gain context. We get bossy, persistent and thorough with our learning. From the textbook, the information is gathered into the brain through vision. The manual transformation of learning into the computer keyboard is testimony to the ability to integrate information. It is in effect, recounted through the tactile, kinesthetic, touch sense.

Typing the class notes is the beginning of implementing the personal study guide.

The study guide you have made is printed and placed where you sit down; in your place of reflection and rumination. The homemade study guide is recited out loud, thus recruiting the auditory sense while possibly finding a cadence, a rhythm.

Often times, others are recruited. When the content is explained in a video I can rewind and listen again until I “get it.” Even when played in the background while going about my daily duties I am soaking up information, even subconsciously. Repetition is key. The hunt for the appropriate video is extensive. What resonates? I have listened to some educational videos so much, that I can predict the next phrase coming out of the mouth of the speaker. The knowledge has been programmed and has become familiar. I have thus migrated to mastery instead of just trying to make a good grade (which is important).

Studying science is like studying a foreign language. The more it is spoken, the more it is understood. The more it is lived, the more natural it becomes. If this is not the native language, then immersion is crucial.

Chickasaw language audio #32 (accompanying story)

When learn something new, in that “aha moment,” the information is shared with friends and family. The information may be blogged. Creativity may be the key. Feedback is received. Expressing one’s learning “owns it” and also influences the vocabulary and thinking of your circle of influence. The children or even co-workers may even achieve more than you, because of your scholarship. Congratulations are due to them as well.

In my crisis, I requested help; I prayed for wisdom.

In my reflection, I wondered if I had been living in the will of my Maker.

Was I expressing gratitude?

Had I been serving others?

I asked: “What comes next?”