2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers

Chapter 1: Active Learning

Bridging the Gap, 9/eBrenda Smith

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers

What is Active Learning?

•Paying attention, concentrating

•Understanding learning styles

•Overcoming distractions

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers

How does the BrainScreen Messages?

•A dual command center screens messages.• The cortex screens for trivial information.•The cortex & reticular activation system (RAS) blocks distractions.

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers

Is Divided Attention Effective?

“You can’t do two things at once and do them well.”

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers

Can Tasks Become Automatic?• Driving a car or dribbling a

basketball are automatic processes.

• But…driving a car and talking on the cell phone is not a good idea.

• Your mind can split between automatic tasks and tasks that need your undivided attention well.

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers

Automatic Aspects of Reading

• College textbook reading is not as automatic as everyday reading.

• So concentration is needed to read college texts, preferably with no interruptions.

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers

Cognitive Styles

1. Extroverted-Introverted

2. Sensing-Intuitive3. Thinking-Feeling4. Judging-Perceiving

Extroverted-Introverted

•Extroverts prefer to talk with others and learn through experience

•Introverts prefer to think alone about ideas2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman

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Sensing-Intuitive

• Sensing prefer to work with concrete details and tend to be patient, practical, and realistic.

• Intuitive like abstractions and are creative, impatient, and theory oriented.

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers

Thinking -Feeling

• Thinking types tend to base decisions on objective criteria and logical principles.

• Sensing types are subjective and consider the impact of their decisions on other people.

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers

Judging- Perceiving

•Judging-time oriented and structured

•Perceivers- spontaneous and flexible

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers

VAK Sensory Learning Styles

•Visual-needs to see or visualize to learn.

•Auditory- needs to hear to work and learn.

•Kinesthetic/tactile-needs to do to learn.

Pg. 7-8 Reference

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Multiple Intelligences•Word smart-Linguistic

•Picture smart-Spatial

•Logical smart-Logical mathematical

•Body smart-Bodily-kinesthetic

•People smart-Interpersonal

•Self smart-Intrapersonal

•Music smart-Musical

•Nature smart-Naturalistic

See Page 10 in your book for a diagram of multiple intelligences.

Rank yourself 1-10

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers

What is Concentration?

• Concentration is the process of paying attention.

• It is essential for active learning.

• It is a habit that requires time and effort to develop for consistent success.

External & Internal Distractors

•External-temptations from the physical world that take your attention.

•Internal- temptations from within yourself that take away your attention.2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman

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2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers

Cures for External Distractions

• Create a Place for Studying.• Use a Pocket Calendar,

Assignment Book, or Personal Digital Assistant.

• Schedule Weekly Activities.• Take Short Breaks. (50-10

ratio)

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers

Cures for Internal Distractions• Make a List.• Increase Your Self-

Confidence.• Improve Your Self-

Concept.• Reduce Anxiety.• Spark an Interest.• Set a Time Goal.

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers

Reader’s Tip: Improving Concentration• Create an environment that says,

“Study.”• Use a calendar, assignment book or PDA

for short- and long-term planning.• Keep a daily to-do list.• Take short breaks.• Visualize yourself as a successful

graduate.• Reduce anxiety by passing the first test.• Spark an interest.• Set time goals for completing daily

assignments.

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers

Successful Academic Behaviors

• Attend class– Be on Time.

– Recognize Essential Class Sessions.

– Preview your textbooks.

– Read Assignments Before Class.

– Review Lecture Notes Before Class.

– Consider Using a Tape Recorder.

– Predict the Exam Questions.

– Pass the First Test.

– Network with other students.

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers

Successful Academic Behaviors

• Network with other students– Form a Study Group.– Learn from Other Students’

Papers.– Collaborate.

Check out the Reader’s Tip on Managing E-mail Effectively.

Pg. 23 Activity

Use the Syllabus

• Goals• Objectives• Assignments• Examination dates• Course requirements • Explanation of the grading

system

Syllabus Quiz

• What is your first assignment?• What is the date of your first

test?• Am I available to meet with you

during the afternoons? • What percentage of your grade

is your midterm exam?• Can you fail both tests in this

class and still pass with a B or better?2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman

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2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers

End of Class Quiz:1) What is active learning?2) How does the brain “pay

attention?”3) Can you do two things at once?4) What are multiple intelligences?5) How can you improve your

concentration?6) What are common internal and

external distracters and cures?7) Why is your syllabus important?

Assessments

VARK Inventoryhttp://www.vark-learn.com/

english/page.asp?p=questionnaire

Multiple Intelligences Assessment

http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers

Useful Siteswww.Myreadinglab.com

www.ablongman.com/smith

http://learning.hccs.edu

www.hccs.edu

Supplemental Reading Assignment

Can You Stand the Pressure to Succeed? pg. 30-33

Complete pgs. 34-35 (1-15)

2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers