Every student has their own way of studying, yet some ways prove to be more effective than others. Imagine two students studying in the same class. One spends late nights memorising notes but finds it difficult to recall them in exams. In contrast, the other one uses effective study habits and holds the record for active classroom participation. But what makes the difference?
It is all about how students learn best in the classroom!
Many students believe that working hard will get them the desired results. However, practising with the wrong learning techniques will reduce efficiency and cause burnout in students. Results depend on how your brain gathers, processes and recalls information. Thus, it is essential to recognise that smart work is often more effective than hard work.
It is always better to look out and practice smart strategies to achieve effective results. Aim to participate in class for classroom success. Make neat and descriptive classroom notes to review them later. Having a positive classroom environment fosters student engagement and focus.
This blog offers an exploration of how students learn best in the classroom. Let us learn the role of the classroom environment in contributing to smart work strategies, rather than hard work.
1. Get Involved – Active learning & brain-friendly study habits
Active learning strategies are a process of learning by doing. It is believed to be more effective than merely listening to lectures. To instil active learning in students, draft a learning plan beforehand for the students. Below are some classroom participation techniques to build a stronger recall system for high school students to study effectively:
- Engaging Discussions: Start the lecture by discussing what students already know about the topic. This would build self-awareness and keep the student engagement high throughout the lecture.
- Think-Pair-Share: Dividing the students into pairs for group projects helps in developing student collaboration and critical thinking. Taking small quizzes or polls by the end of the lecture assists in improving memory recall and note-making methods.
- Spaced and retrieval practice methods: Spaced and retrieval practice methods are brain-friendly methods to improve memory and understanding. It is suggested to do short study sessions to strengthen memory, and then take self-tests to further sharpen memory recall.
- Interleaving: Interleaving can also prove to be beneficial in the learning process. Mixing and connecting subjects through concrete real-life examples fosters flexible learning among students. Practice asking as many “how” and “why” you can to sharpen your understanding of a subject.
2. Know Yourself – Metacognition & self-control
Self-awareness is a key factor in framing smart study planning. Here is a checklist of metacognition practices for students to implement:
- Metacognition: Metacognition is where a student reflects upon their own thinking and learning process. With a growth mindset in students, they can get the desired results with the right amount of effort.
- Learn to Accept: Mistakes are a part of the learning process. Students need to accept and acknowledge their mistakes and learn through self-reflection in learning.
- Progress report: Another effective way is to keep a track of the progress through learning journals. Adopting a pattern that works best for you saves days of unnecessary hard work. Designing a process that only suits your process is a part of the pattern. For example, prepare for essay exams. These exams would build your critical thinking, rather than mugging up.
- Memory Recall: It is essential to quickly reflect on your exam preparations to boost memory recall. At the end of this activity, ask yourself, “How has my thinking changed?”. This will not only deepen your understanding but also assist in developing a more self-aware individual.
3. Tools & spaces for better learning
Self-awareness is not the only factor that shapes students’ learning; creating a positive classroom environment is equally essential. First and foremost is note-taking. Note-making methods help to organise and recall the content better. Whether it be using the Outline, Cornell, Sentence method for structured yet simple notes, or the Boxing, Charting method for topic-wise notes, note-making methods simplify the learning process. Methods like Mind Mapping and Colour Coding are some best note-making methods that make the process interactive through their visuals and by focusing only on the key pointers.
Time Management for Students. Keeping a track of deadlines through a class calendar and setting daily to-do lists assists in setting priorities for students. Dividing bigger tasks into smaller ones and scheduling regular breaks avoids burnout during the process. Students should study at the time they are most alert for better retention. Students shouldn’t feel hesitant towards asking for help whenever needed. Many apps like Notion, Trello and Quizlet offer a learning workspace and simplify the process. Through peer and tutor support, students tend to save time and have a better learning experience.
Anthony’s key factor that shapes the learning process is the surrounding environment. The mood, setting and space should be such that they create a positive and peaceful learning environment. It is preferred to have natural lighting, tidy space and comfortable seating to boost alertness. Students can also add plants or other natural materials to maintain calmness while learning. The environment should have little to no distractions to stay disciplined throughout. It is also suggested to study with peers in groups to increase student engagement and create a friendly environment.
People Power – Relationships & teamwork
Positive relationships and teamwork are central to the learning process. The peers and teacher influence build emotional support among students. With the right teacher-student connections, a student can experience high engagement and self-awareness. This results in students actively indulging in creative pursuits and learning necessary problem-solving skills. Teachers act as the ultimate source of creating a positive classroom environment for students to be confident and actively participate.
Some of the best ways for students to focus in class are engaging in class discussions, interacting with peers for assessments and knowing their study methods. Effective learning strategies involve active participation, a supportive environment, strong relationships, all held tightly by smart study habits. It is, thus, essential for students, teachers and parents to work together to achieve shared success. With the right guidance, students can build effective learning habits that go far beyond the classroom.
Students can also involve themselves in peer study groups, which are good sources of fostering motivation and confidence in students. Peer discussions help the students to strengthen their understanding of a subject. Group projects and activities allow both interaction and enjoyment during the learning process. It encourages the sharing of ideas with peers, building responsibility through shared common goals. For example, group projects like building a rainwater harvesting model will allow students to learn through interaction, making the process more engaging than monotonous.
Learning is a continuous process of trying, reflecting and improving oneself. By implementing new methods, students can work on themselves and achieve future success. Through consistent support and efforts, every student can thrive in their learning journey.