We are failing our students
This past week was a tough week. My students and I had to have a conversation. A conversation I wish someone had with me when I was at their age. It would have saved me three years of my life, and a lot of heartache. I don’t regret the mistakes, but if I can save someone from making them, then I will do my part.
This is also an important conversation for the parents, the administrators, and everyone that pushes the narrative that the GPA is the most important measure of success. We have created a system where students chase the A’s but have never been taught how to actually learn.
Learning is hard, it requires time, effort, and a whole lot of reflection. Through my conversations with my students, I have learned that most of them expect that showing up to class, and, maybe, reading the book is all that they need to do to learn new content. This is an extremely passive way of consuming knowledge and is an ineffective learning method. I encourage my students to be active learners. I do that through my classroom activities, but I also talk to them about how they SHOULD be studying.
I summarized our conversation in this week’s video. I also share my method of learning, one that I have come to through trial and error. See, each one of us has their own way of learning. Find what works for you. Till then, you can get started with these methods. What are your favorite study tips?
as an ap macro teacher, this is spot on. first of all i almost failed out of college too because while i made great grades in HS i had no idea how to study and learn. and my kids say to me all the time that i don't teach them. this is by design. i use the learning retention rates graphic to try and keep what they do to the active learning methods, discussion, demonstrating, and teaching others. some get it and love it - others resist and say i don't teach - never mind the fact i have all my lectures on youtube and talk for 10-15 minutes a day highlighting the key points. i also make myself available for help which literally almost none of them take advantage of. anyway - excellent and relatable post.
Yes. Our educational system is failing our students. Students routinely say they understand in class but then perform poorly on tests. I take that seriously. Are you aware of "Learning How to Learn" by Barbara Oakley?https://barbaraoakley.com/books/learning-how-to-learn/ She came to the UK Economics Educator workshop a few years ago pre-Covid and I was entranced... I actually had my principles students read her book -- it's for high school students --in the first 3 weeks of the course and answer questions on what they read. One senior thanked me and told me she wished she had read the book as a freshman; she gave her copy to her boyfriend! I found a dramatic improvement in the quality of the answers my students gave on exams. It turns out that If students know how they learn in order to recall, they become willing to do what it takes to be successful. The "How to study" video series is helpful but I have found that it works best as a reinforcer of the LHTL lessons as opposed to to serving as a stand alone. I have my students watch the videos and answer short questions so they actively engage with the videos. https://www.samford.edu/departments/academic-success-center/how-to-study It's extra work for the students but it pays off in improved performance which makes me happier when I am grading their work.