Chapter 1: Active Learning

1. Chapter 1: Active Learning Bridging the Gap, 9/eBrenda Smith 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers

2. What is Active Learning? • Paying attention, concentrating • Understanding learning styles • Overcoming distractions 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers

3. A dual command center screens messages. The cortex screens for trivial information. The cortex & reticular activation system (RAS) blocks distractions. How does the BrainScreen Messages? 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers

4. Is Divided Attention Effective? “You can’t do two things at once and do them well.” 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers

5. 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

6. 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

7. Cognitive Styles • Extroverted-Introverted • Sensing-Intuitive • Thinking-Feeling • Judging-Perceiving 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers

8. Extroverted-Introverted • Extroverts prefer to talk with others and learn through experience • Introverts prefer to think alone about ideas 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers

9. 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

10. 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

11. Judging- Perceiving • Judging-time oriented and structured • Perceivers- spontaneous and flexible 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers

12. 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

13. 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 Multiple Intelligences See Page 10 in your book for a diagram of multiple intelligences. Rank yourself 1-10 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers

14. 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. 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers

15. 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 Publishers

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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. 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers

21. Use the Syllabus • Goals • Objectives • Assignments • Examination dates • Course requirements • Explanation of the grading system Pg. 23 Activity

22. 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 Publishers

23. End of Class Quiz: • What is active learning? • How does the brain “pay attention?” • Can you do two things at once? • What are multiple intelligences? • How can you improve your concentration? • What are common internal and external distracters and cures? • Why is your syllabus important? 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., Publishing by Longman Publishers

24. Assessments VARK Inventory http://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

25. Useful Sites www.Myreadinglab.com www.ablongman.com/smith http://learning.hccs.edu www.hccs.edu

26. 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