Concepts of Learning

Getting the Big Picture & Dealing with Details
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• Read the course syllabus for an overview of the course.
  
• Preview the whole text to get an overview of course content.
  
• Outline (Cornell notes) or map each chapter before you read in detail or go to class.
  
• Read/listen for the introduction and summary.
  
• Review your outlines or maps before tests.
  
• Preview the test before starting, then plan your strategy.

Based on information gained from new technologies and recent research on the brain, we know that we use the entire brain when processing information. In spite of this fact, learners seem to fall into one of two camps. Some tend to be "right brained," showing a preference to learn and process information simultaneously and focusing on the big picture and relationships between ideas. Others tend to be "left brained" and learn and process information in a sequential, step-by-step fashion, while focusing on details. But just as we need to see with both of our eyes in order to capture all of the nuances of an image, we need to gather information from both "big picture" and "detail" perspectives in order to fully understand. Like a puzzle, you don't get the "whole picture" until you have all the pieces.
If you tend to be a "big picture" learner, you should be aware that you may miss important details when you read, take notes, and study. You may "jump to conclusions" in your eagerness to look for patterns and relationships. In a similar way, if you tend to focus on details, you may not recognize the relationships between ideas that are also critical to full understanding. If you "can't see the forest for the trees," you may find it difficult to understand where the information is heading.
The implication is that we should strive for a balance between these two styles of learning. We should seek ways to get information from the opposite "brain," by practicing ways to get all the information we need and/or by working with others who tend to be strong in the opposite style.
The following are some techniques that can help to strengthen both styles of learning:
If you are "Left Brained" (detailed, step-by-step, linear)

• To get the big picture, develop a map of each course and chapter of your text. This will help you to see where the details fit in and to determine which details are most important.
  
• Write summaries (in your own words) for each topic covered in your text and lectures.
  
• At the end of each chapter or unit, develop flash cards or Cornell notes to identify the most important information on one side and the details on the other side of the card.
  
• Use questions at all cognitive levels and visual organizers to help yourself process information more deeply and to see the relationships between important concepts.
  
• Use maps to help yourself identify the most important information for reviewing and for test preparation.
  
• Use maps to help yourself organize your thinking before you start writing.

If you are "Right Brained" (big picture, simultaneous, holistic):

• Annotate text and take lecture notes, focusing on important details by using Cornell notes. Number or bullet the details to draw your attention to them.
  
• For each lecture you attend or chapter you read, develop flash cards that identify the most important terms and concepts. Write main ideas on one side and details on the other.
  
• Use questions at all cognitive levels to quiz yourself and to be sure that you have considered the important details.
  
• Review flash cards or Cornell notes to prepare for tests and exams.
  
• Use maps to help with preliminary organization for writing essays. Be sure that you include sufficient details to back up your ideas. Use Cornell notes or other outlining techniques for organizing longer papers.
  
• Survey the whole test before you start answering questions. Develop a test-taking strategy to maximize your efforts. Be sure to read all questions thoroughly and to provide sufficient detail in your answers

(Shows only main ideas/concepts and major details)
Example - Mapping

Most often used by visual learners. May be used to: Preview/outline a course, an entire text, or a chapter in a text. Take notes on a lecture delivered by a holistic-styled instructor who may skip around from topic to topic. Provide an overview for study prior to tests.

Before the Test

1. Stay up-to-date on assignments. Learn material and review as you go along.
   
2. Make sure you understand the information as you are learning it. That way, you won't have to "re-learn" it OR have to "cram" a great deal of information at one time.
   
3. Read and study information in meaningful chunks (by chapters or units) so that you'll be able to "file" and "retrieve" information easily.
   
4. At the end of each chapter or unit, identify the information that was most important. Make up "flash cards" on this information that you can easily carry and use for study on a regular basis.
   
5. Analyze past tests to determine how you can improve test results.
   
6. Get the big picture. Ask the instructor about the test. Find out what information will be stressed and the kinds of questions that will be asked. Then go over your text and lecture notes to develop a study strategy. Map or outline the course contents if you haven't done so previously.
   
7. Before a test or exam, break study sessions into manageable time segments and meaningful units. You'll remember more if you study for short periods of time (45 minutes to 1 hour) and over a longer period of time (1-2 weeks) than if you cram all your study into a "binge" session the night before the test.
   
8. Practice answering essay questions BEFORE the test. Use cognitive questions at all levels to assure learning and ability to answer essay questions. For example: How would you describe, compare/contrast, predict, classify, apply, evaluate, prioritize, etc?
   
9. Use mnemonic techniques to memorize lists, definitions, and other specific kinds of information.
   
10. Form a study group with other students in your class to discuss and quiz each other on important material. This will add other perspectives and help to "complete" your study if you tend to be either a "detailed" or "big-picture" learner.
    
11. Maintain healthy living habits. Get a good night's sleep before the test.
    
    

During the Test

1. Get to the test site early so you can select a seat, organize your materials, and get relaxed. Be prepared with pencils, paper, calculator, books (if appropriate), etc.
   
2. Get the big picture. Survey the entire test before you answer any questions. This will help you to get an overview of what's expected and to strategize how you will take the test.
   
3. Take a few deep breaths and to relax tense muscles. Repeat throughout the test. This process will help you to stay relaxed and to make more energy available for remembering, thinking, and writing.
   
4. Read directions carefully. Ask questions if you don't understand or need clarification.
   
5. Do a quick "mind dump" of information you don't want to forget. Write it down on scrap paper or in the margin.
   
6. Answer the easiest questions first, to help yourself calm down. Matching questions are often good to start with because they provide a reminder of important terms and definitions.
   
7. Use good strategies for answering multiple choice and other objective questions.
• Look for the central idea of each question. What is the main point?
  
• Statements that begin with always, never, none, except, most, or least-are probably NOT the answer . Underline these or other key words if you are allowed to write on the test paper.
  
• Try to supply your own answer before choosing an alternative listed on the test.
  
• Mark an answer for every question.
  
• If you have to guess:
  • The length of choices can be a clue. Choose the longest.
    
  • If two choices are similar, choose neither.
    
  • If two choices are opposites, choose one of them.
    
  • The most general alternative is usually the right answer.
8. When answering essay questions, remember that the objective is to demonstrate how well you can explain and support an idea, not just what you know. Keep the following in mind:
• Read over all the essay questions before you start to write. Underline key words like define, compare, explain, etc.
  
• Think before you write. Remember, a good answer:
  • Starts with a direct response to the question.
    
  • Mentions the topics or areas described in the question.
    
  • Provides specific as well as general information.
    
  • Uses the technical vocabulary of the course.
    
• Then map or outline the main points you want to make, determine the order in which you want to write your points, determine the support you want to add, then write.
  
• Write legibly. Leave some space so you can add to your answer, later.
  
• Proofread your essay. Check for grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc. This often adds points!
9. When problem solving, ask yourself:
• What am I being asked to find?
  
• What do I need to know in order to find the answer?
  
• What information has been provided that will help me to find the answer?
  
• How can I break the problem down into parts? What steps should I follow to solve the problem?
  
• Does the answer make sense? Does it cover the whole problem?
  
10. Keep an eye on the clock. Make sure you'll have time to complete the test sections with the highest value, if not the entire test.

After the Test
When you receive your test paper, go over it to determine areas of strength and weakness in your test-taking skills. If you have done poorly, learn from your mistakes! Always analyze your tests to determine how you can improve future test results.