COLUMN: Insights given on the intricacies of learning
It is difficult to be as devastatingly smart as I am. No, really. Sometimes I wonder how I do it. I am so highly advanced in my thinking that I have troubles understanding the crude level of learning my professors try to teach, which consequently makes me seem just like a mediocre student doing his best to get by. Some of you might appropriately compare my situation to other geniuses such as Edison and Einstein who struggled in school early in life due to their highly intelligent nature before they went on to do greater things. The difference, though, is that I am even smarter than they are because I fully intend to remain mediocre even after my college career.
Though such brilliance does have its drawbacks, at least it brings me to the same level of intelligence of some of my other struggling student friends. Being in such a position, and being the generous person I am, I will do my best to share my unprecedented advice on what methods to use in order to excel in the area of learning. As a side note, it is also extremely difficult to be as humble as I am, but that, too, is another column for another time.
Sometimes when we are at college we get so caught up with our schedules, classes, and tests that we forget that our real purpose here is to learn. We have many things from which to draw in order to successfully obtain such learning, but I think these methods are often misunderstood and misused. Allow me to list the most important of these familiar steps toward learning and how to best put them to practice.
Notes. As far as I have been able to gather, notes are what we do when our professor talks. Apparently you keep your head down and move your pen back and forth on your notepad (for more information, see my first column this year on note taking).
Library. This is an often overlooked and underrated resource for learning. For those of you who were unaware, our library on campus is absolutely full … of students who are possibly in your class from whom you can copy assignments.
Due to the size of the library, if you have troubles locating them, I suggest that you look for them in those weird hallways with books stacked on either side of them. Do not allow the books to distract you. Stay focused on finding your classmates.
Office hours. Many times your professor will give you his or her office hours. This can be extremely useful. Write the hours down, memorize them, tape them to your forehead. This will help you make sure you do not accidentally walk by your professor’s office during these specified office hours and be forced into an awkward conversation concerning your poor “work ethic” and “participation” in class – demoralizing issues that can badly affect your learning experience.
Textbooks. I know we all complain about the price of textbooks. In fact, it usually becomes something of a contest to see whose books cost the most (“Oh yeah? Well, my astronomical physics book cost me …”). But disregarding the price, it would be difficult to deny that bringing your textbook to class will do much to deceive your professor into thinking you actually read it. Special note: Where applicable, be sure to take off the plastic wrap before showing it off in class as if you had read it.
Internet. Relatively new to the scene of educational learning, the Internet can now be considered an integral part of the learning process. Without a break in your studies to check your e-mails or the daily updates about Luxembourg at www.eluxembourg.lu, you could very possibly go mad.
Studying. The best way to study is definitely in groups. If one mind does not fully understand the subject material, then 10 minds that do not understand it will certainly screw it up a million times worse. Study groups consist of everyone meeting together with their class notes and books, and someone in the group brings treats (essential). From there, you commence to open your books … and use them as plates with your notes as napkins as you eat the treats and proceed to talk about the funny gestures your professor makes in class.
Please do not be discouraged if, after reading this article, you realize that you have misunderstood the point behind learning for most of your life. Bear in mind that it has taken me four years of college to finally grasp the idea myself. From my own experience I would remind you that it is never too late to start learning right.
Now, I have only touched the tip of the iceberg when it comes to learning methods, and I would love to continue, but it is once again time for my study break. I can’t wait to see what the Grand Duke Henri and the royal Luxembourg family are up to today.
Marty Reeder is a senior majoring in history education. Study session can be arranged at martr@cc.usu.edu (you bring the treats).