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coach hale · 11-12-2007, 07:12 PM

Learning methods

I started this thread so forum members could share the methods they use in an attempt to retain and comprehend information. Let’s assume that you have already decided the data has proven valid. Discussing the sources of the information and whether they are valid or not is a different discussion. Let’s stick to discussing what strategies are used to retain and understand the correct data you are investigating.

My general method:

Read the information and highlight key points.

Look at references provided in the paper

Look up the definitions of any words that I am unsure of their meanings (abbreviated notes on the paper concerning definitions, discussing with colleagues)

2nd reading involves reviewing and analyzing highlighted points and definitions

3rd reading, before the third reading I put the info away for 2-3 days and review highlights again

At this point I have formed a mental picture (similar to concept map) and I review the concepts randomly through out the day

If I am having problems understanding the concepts or quickly recalling what I have learned I will read again and look further into more studies regarding similar or the same subject matter.

Once I feel like my comprehension of the material is adequate I began writing on the topic if I am really interested (I have learned a great deal through writing)

Once every few months I pick some material at random that I have collected and read the highlights and highlighted references again. If I have a hard time recalling the information presented in the paper the process begins again. Sometimes I will read the entire paper again, but most of the time I start with the strategy I mentioned involving the 2nd reading

I think in order to fully understand and be able to apply the newly attained information to various situations it is important to have visual cues. I like concept maps written on paper as well as concept maps I form in my mind. For me Rote style of learning does not really enhance long term memory or apply to new-problem solving situations.

Thanks
Coach Hale
www.maxcondition.com

11-12-2007, 07:12 PM	#1 (permalink)
coach hale Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 531	Learning method strategy Learning methods I started this thread so forum members could share the methods they use in an attempt to retain and comprehend information. Let’s assume that you have already decided the data has proven valid. Discussing the sources of the information and whether they are valid or not is a different discussion. Let’s stick to discussing what strategies are used to retain and understand the correct data you are investigating. My general method: Read the information and highlight key points. Look at references provided in the paper Look up the definitions of any words that I am unsure of their meanings (abbreviated notes on the paper concerning definitions, discussing with colleagues) 2nd reading involves reviewing and analyzing highlighted points and definitions 3rd reading, before the third reading I put the info away for 2-3 days and review highlights again At this point I have formed a mental picture (similar to concept map) and I review the concepts randomly through out the day If I am having problems understanding the concepts or quickly recalling what I have learned I will read again and look further into more studies regarding similar or the same subject matter. Once I feel like my comprehension of the material is adequate I began writing on the topic if I am really interested (I have learned a great deal through writing) Once every few months I pick some material at random that I have collected and read the highlights and highlighted references again. If I have a hard time recalling the information presented in the paper the process begins again. Sometimes I will read the entire paper again, but most of the time I start with the strategy I mentioned involving the 2nd reading I think in order to fully understand and be able to apply the newly attained information to various situations it is important to have visual cues. I like concept maps written on paper as well as concept maps I form in my mind. For me Rote style of learning does not really enhance long term memory or apply to new-problem solving situations. Thanks Coach Hale www.maxcondition.com