Tools to Maximize Student Learning
The success of students is not only in the interest of the students themselves, but is also important for their educators, parents and the society at large. That is why the tools that maximize student learning matter. Certainly, without students investing any effort into their education, they will learn nothing, but, provided students are willing to learn, some learning tools can significantly boost their chances of academic success.
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Lectures and Discussions
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Lectures and discussions are arguably the most important tools in maximizing the information students learn. In a classroom environment a student learns fast -- it would take him hours, in not days, to learn from books what he can learn from a professor in one hour. To be most effective, classrooms must be small and teachers good. Also, encourage the student to speak out and not sit quietly in the corner while a discussion takes place.
Challenging Assignments
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"The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark." This is advice from Michelangelo, a great Renaissance artist. Challenging assignments help maximize student learning by making students work as hard as they possibly can. In applying maximum effort it is natural that they receive maximum results.
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Computers and Internet
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A computer with Internet access, preferably high-speed, connects students to possibly the biggest source of human knowledge ever amassed in any one place. Using the information the Internet provides, however, requires some skill and a degree of caution. As anyone can put any information on the Internet, sometimes some of the information is incorrect. However, the same can be said about manuscripts and newspapers. The rule of thumb is to get your information from reliable websites that carefully monitor the content they provide to their readers.
Case Studies and Simulations
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Case studies and simulations, such as role playing and games, maximize student learning by putting students in what very much resembles a real-world situation. This allows students to apply the skills they have learned in the classroom and gain practical experience. Case studies are particularly effective in business education, and role playing can be equally helpful when learning languages, for example.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit students image by Ivanna Buldakova from Fotolia.com
