Active Learning

Learning must be active – you need to be actively involved and thinking about the information you are trying to learn.  Here are some ideas:

Manipulate the information – rewrite the information into a different format such as a review chart, concept map, study cards, outline, etc.

Connect the information with what you already know from your background, another class, you career goal, whatever connection you can make

Recite – read over a section, close your book, and restate the information in your own words

Teach - Form a study group and teach each other

Review – once you have learned the information, review it every day for a short period of time spaced out over a week or more

Test – make a practice test, put it aside and then test yourself in a few days.  Or use any quiz or “Terms to Know” available in your textbook or on line.

 You get the idea – anything more than just passively “rereading” or “reviewing.”   The more actively you are involved with the information the better you will understand and retain it!