How People Learn
Guides
"I have never met a man so ignorant that I couldn't learn something from him."
Galileo Galilei
How People Learn
Learning is a process that learner exposes to new knowledge, behaviors, or attitudes and has the opportunity to interpret and respond to it. There are seven principles of learning that teachers should be aware of:
1. Learning must be built on prior knowledge.
New knowledge is being built based on prior knowledge so teachers should understand what students know before teaching them a new topic. Any previous misconception or incomplete knowledge about the topic must be discussed and corrected.
2. Expert and novice learners differ primarily in how
they organize knowledge.
One of the main teaching tasks is helping the learner to construct knowledge. One of the popular tools is Concept Mapping the helps learners to relate different concept and build the relevant structure.
3.
Teachers should ensure a scheme to generate interest among students. Identifying the objectives of each topic and stating authentic and real-world examples and tasks on how student benefits personally and professionally, demonstrating personal enthusiasm about the topic.
4. Mastery is complex and takes both time and
practice.
As complex tasks are hard to master teachers are expected to break down the complex tasks into smaller and simpler tasks for students. Identifying essential skills and concepts and expecting students to gain full competency on them is vital.
5. Opportunities for practice and providing prompt feedback to leaner enriches learning.
Setting up clear learning outcomes that should be achieved in every session, offering opportunities for students to practice, and providing prompt feedback to them is another sign of learning.
6.
Building a learning community that offers students a safe and welcoming climate where students socially, emotionally, and intellectually support each other helps students to be an integral part of the lesson.
7.
Self-learning is an essential skill that most students do
not possess. Teachers should design activities that bring attention to their
learning and be able to measure the efficacy of their learning.
